Robert E. Gannon

Robert Edward Gannon
June 25, 1931 – June 17, 2025
With great sorrow, we announce the passing of our precious father, Robert (Bob) E. Gannon. Bob died peacefully at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 71 years, Marie T. Gannon.
Bob was born in Roxbury and raised in Winthrop by his parents, John J. Gannon and Helen E. (Callahan) Gannon. He was educated by Franciscan Priests and graduated from Christopher Columbus Catholic High School in Boston's North End in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school. He served five years during and following the Korean War. As a Sergeant in 1953, he received a Field Commission and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. He served in Italy, Japan, and Korea. He was honorably discharged from the Reserves as a Captain several years later.
Bob joined the New England Telephone Company as an Installer Repairman in 1955. He transferred to the business office and then as a sales manager in the Special Accounts Division. He lived and raised his family in Saugus for 30 years before retiring to North Falmouth. In Saugus, he served as a Town Meeting Member, was a member of the Saugus Housing Authority, and was a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He was also a coach and officer of the Saugus American Little League. He and his brother, David, oversaw the boys' CYO Basketball Program at Blessed Sacrament Parish for many years.
In Falmouth, he was an active member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and was on the Offertory Counting Ministry. He had a rich circle of friends in North Falmouth whom he cherished dearly. He enjoyed socializing, golfing, music, and the arts, and he especially relished his weekly Texas Hold'em card games with his friends.
He is survived by his son, John, and his wife, Priscilla; his daughter, Maryellen Leelman, and her husband, Martin; his son, Stephen, and his wife, Joyce; and his daughter, Lauren Ruff, and her husband, Richard. He was the treasured grandfather (Papa) to Meaghan, John, Craig, Danielle, Robert Edward, Michael, Charles, Julia, and Maria, and the memorable great-grandfather to Bruno, Jack, Helen, Logan, Archer, and James, who gave him great joy in his final years. Bob was predeceased by his brothers Jack and David. He is survived by his brother, Edward, and sisters-in-law, Linda Gannon, Kathleen Gannon, and Virginia Nerich. He was "Uncle" to many dear nieces and nephews.
He will forever be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, positive spirit, sense of humor, and never-ending presence with his family and friends. He had a wonderful life and made everyone around him better for it. Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 16 Follen Road, Lexington, MA, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:00 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 am. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association.