Joseph R. “Joe” Gannon, MAJ., USAF (RET), 93, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Mon., Dec. 6, 2021 at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, FL. A native of Philadelphia, PA, he was born August 18, 1928 to Joseph F. and Monica (Jessen) Gannon, one of two children. Joe, as he was known to many, served his country honorably and proudly for 26 years, beginning in the United States Navy as an enlisted man in 1947. After 3 years serving the Navy in air traffic control, Mr. Gannon enlisted in the United States Air Force and soon gained acceptance into Officers Candidate School. He then served his country for an additional 23 years as a commissioned officer with the U.S. Air Force on six continents, again as an air traffic controller, retiring in 1969 at the rank of Major. Major Gannon was also instrumental in the selection of air base sites around the world prior to his retirement from military service and earned many decorations, including the Bronze Star and Vietnam Service Medals, as well as the coveted and rare Antarctica Service Medal. Mr. Gannon then began a long and devoted career of over 20 years as a guidance counselor for Hillsborough Community College, while living in Clearwater, FL. He moved to Homosassa 35 years ago from Clearwater and brought with him his passions for golf, fishing and traveling. One of Joe's goals in life was to visit all seven continents. He accomplished this later in life when he visited Morocco on the African content, thereby achieving his goal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Juliet A. Gannon, in 1999. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Dolores Zill “Dee” Gannon, Homosassa, FL and his five children: Robert Gannon (wife Bonnie), Tampa, FL; Paul Gannon (wife Karli Dwyer), Albany, NY; Andrew Gannon (wife Francesca Gross), Birmingham, AL; Richard Gannon (wife Melissa), Raleigh, NC and Susan Gannon (husband Brad Beemer), Orlando, FL; brother Thomas Gannon, Reading, PA; 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A Celebration Of Life will take place in The Riverside Room at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL on Tues., Dec. 14, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. beginning with military honors rendered by the United States Air Force and American Legion Post #155. Immediately following the Celebration Of Life, a reception will be held in The Riverside Room at Wilder Funeral Home. Private family interment will then follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida at 2:00 P.M. www.wilderfuneral.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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