Harvey John Gannon Jr.

Harvey John Gannon Jr. passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024. He was born at the Naval Hospital in New London, Connecticut, on March 5, 1945. After the end of World War II, his family moved to Long Island, New York, and he graduated from Lynbrook High School in 1963. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Jeannette Gannon, and his sister, Jeanne Burns. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susanne Frantz, his loving daughters Colleen Roshau and Erin Gannon, grandchildren Jacob and Samuel Roshau, and their father Paul Roshau.

Harvey enjoyed traveling, playing golf, riding his Harley-Davidson, and walking his beloved dogs. He could often be found reading a book, organizing his extensive coin and stamp collections, and listening to a wide variety of music, especially if it included horns. Harvey was dependable, always a trusted source of support and guidance. Though often serious, he had a lighter side and would never hesitate to engage a stranger with a joke and a broad smile.

Harvey did his undergraduate studies from 1963-1969, first at Rice University where he also played freshman basketball. He then moved on to St. John’s University and went on to graduate from University of Maryland with a BS in Industrial Engineering. While at Maryland, he played lacrosse and was a member of the 1967 National Championship team. He also obtained an MS Degree in Computer Systems/Management Information Systems in 1974 and an MBA from Marymount University in 1986.

Harvey’s military career began in 1969 when he was commissioned as an Ensign, USNR after Officer Candidate School. His shipboard assignments were: USS Harold J. Ellison (DD 864) 1969-1972 - Gunnery Officer, USS Newman K. Perry (DD 883) 1975-1976 - Operations Officer, USS Canisteo (AO 99) 1980-1982 - Engineering Officer, USS Shreveport (LPD 12) 1984-1986 - Executive Officer, USS Tuscaloosa (LST 1187) 1988-1990 - Commanding Officer, USS Saipan (LHA 2) 1990-1992 - Executive Officer.

In addition to his time at sea, he also served a variety of shore assignments: Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC (staff in Officer Promotions) 1972-1974, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA (Associate Professor, Naval Science) 1976-1979, Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) Norfolk, VA (ADP and communications support for NATO afloat/air assets in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters) 1982-1984, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OJCS) – Directorate for Resource Management – ADP Budgeting 1986-1988, National Communications Systems (Joint government/civilian cooperation in plan for and maintaining nationwide communications in all emergency conditions) 1993-1995.

Harvey retired from the US Navy as a Captain in 1995. During his 27 years of dedicated service, he received a number of ribbons, insignias, badges, and medals including Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service, Meritorious Service, Navy Commendation, and Navy Achievement.

Before settling into permanent retirement and moving to Conover, North Carolina in 2008, he held two civilian jobs: SETA Corp, Computer Program Manager for US Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 1996-2001 and Program Manager for Wiring Devices at National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) from 2001-2006.

Receiving of friends will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 am prior to the service at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 12 pm with Father Jim Collins officiating. Military Honors to follow with the United States Navy and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be left at www.willis-reynoldsfuneralhome.com

The Gannon Family is under the care of Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home