Thomas Gerard McCann

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 16, 1956, to James and Winifred McCann.

Thomas honorably served 24 years in the United States Army retiring as a 1st Sergeant in the Transportation Corps.

As a Soldier he deployed to Somalia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. He was also employed by the 10th Mountain Division as a Civilian Deployment Specialist and Operations Officer. As a Deployment Specialist, he deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan multiple times.

Thomas had a passion for fishing, swimming, boating, jet skiing, biking, kayaking, and renovating his home and cottage.

His guilty pleasures were fried food (Popeyes), pizza and beer. He will be dearly missed by his loving family, friends and constant sidekick, his dog Bear.

Survived by his loving wife of 45 years Ann Marie McCann, children Christa Bigarel (Britten); Thomas McCann, Jr. (Bareeqah).

Grandchildren; Victoria Alex Marie Dykes, Cassius Bigarel and Arya Bigarel; siblings Doreen Greenwood Garson (Joel), Margaret Pellegrino (Sal) and Lauren Stabile (Paul): sister-in-law, Lucy Baier; sister and brother-in-law, Patty and John Spicer; brother-in-law, Joseph Soares; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, James McCann Jr.

Thomas had two favorite things which he enjoyed every year. One was hosting an annual 4th of July family reunion complete with fireworks at his cottage on Lake Ontario. He led the games with the adults, children, and grandchildren excelling in flip-cup and corn hole. Thomas’ happy place was his cottage, where he spent endless hours with family and friends bass fishing and enjoying beautiful sunsets.

His second favorite was decorating his home for the Christmas holidays. His light and lawn displays were second to none and drew viewers from around the area. His Christmas Spirit was contagious and he could be seen with his Santa hat on often during the holiday season.

A gathering for Thomas will be on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Turner Funeral Homes, 14360 Spring Hill, FL 34609. It will be followed by a Committal service with military honors from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513. A reception will take place at the McCann Residence after services from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, in Hernando Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to The Arc Jefferson-St Lawrence Foundation, PO Box 41, Watertown, NY 13601, or online at www.the arcjslc.org.