John was a veteran and served in the United States Army National Guard and was a member of the American Legion (Cape Coral Post 90). John was employed by Insurance Services Office Inc. (Chicago, IL), and after 32 years of service, he retired in 2008. During his career as a Fire Protection Specialist in Automatic Sprinkler Systems, he earned his NICET Engineering Level 2 certification. John also served on the Addison Fire Protection District’s Board of Commissioners for 26 years. John was active with Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 410 (Addison, IL). John enjoyed the High Adventures at Philmont Scout Ranch and the Boundary Waters. After retirement in 2008, Cape Coral, FL, became his second home. John continued his public service within the Cape Coral area as a member of the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fairboard and a proud member of the Executive Southwest Florida & Lee County Fairboard. John especially enjoyed volunteering his time while working every day at the Lee County Fair. John was a Master Mason and was a member of the St Clair Masonic Lodge No. 24 (Belleville, IL), Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Myers, FL, and Araba Shriners in Fort Myers, FL. John served as the Araba Shriner Transportation Chairman. John was a proud driver (AKA Roadrunner) for children and their families to ensure children could attend their appointments and receive care at Shriners Children’s (formerly Shriners Hospitals for Children). John was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Elks (Fort Myers #1288).
John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Janet “Jan” (nee Smith) Canty; daughter Jennifer Canty of Cape Coral, FL; son Jason (Claudia) Canty of Cape Coral, FL / Queretaro, MX; grandchildren Jasmine (Riley) Pagano of Fort Myers, FL and Jonathan Lollino of Cape Coral, FL; brothers Robert Canty Jr of Sabula, IA, and Lee (Nina) Canty of Bracketville, TX.
He is preceded in death by parents Robert Canty Sr. and Pearl (nee Garrison) Canty and brother Donald Canty.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 29th at 2pm at the Tropical Masonic Lodge, 10868 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, FL. To help us celebrate John’s abundant love of life, vibrant spirit, his delight in wearing unique tropical and Hawaiian shirts…..please join us in wearing bright-colored clothing.
Internment at Coral Ridge Cemetery in Cape Coral, FL will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made, in his name, to either: Shriners Children’s (formerly Shriners Hospitals for Children), c/o Araba Shriners, 11220 Metro Parkway #23, Fort Myers, FL 33966, or Hope Hospice House, 2430 Diplomat Parkway East, Cape Coral, FL 33909.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.16.3