Robert Francis Cannon

August 28, 1946 – December 7, 2021

Robert F. Cannon, 75, of Boynton Beach, Florida died unexpectedly on December 7, 2021 while on vacation with family in New York. The son of the late Francis Edward Cannon and Rita Hughes Cannon, Robert (known to friends as “Bob”) was born in Washington Heights, New York and raised in Flushing, New York.

Bob was an alumnus of Mount St. Mary’s College, Maryland as well as St. John's University, New York, where he received a Master’s degree in Education. Bob had a rewarding career working for the N.Y.C. Board of Education, with most of his career spent teaching elementary aged children at P.S. 70 in Long Island City, New York.

In the 1970’s, he was introduced to Catherine by a family friend. The couple married in November 1974 and their love story endured for 47 years. Together, they raised two children. Bob was a devoted father who enjoyed bringing his son to and from ice hockey, and his daughter to dance classes and tennis. He raised his family on Long Island in the town of West Hempstead, New York. In his free time, he worked on restoring a candy apple red 1966 Ford Mustang and enjoyed attending antique car shows with friends. Each summer, he took great pride in running a city summer literacy camp for young children.

Bob retired from teaching in 2001 and moved to DeBary, Florida, where he, along with his wife, helped design their dream home built on a golf course. He picked up the game of tennis and always enjoyed a nightly glass of gin, often with some cheese and crackers. Bob lived close to many dear relatives at this time, including his mother and sisters. He traveled the world, visiting Egypt, Russia, and Europe. Cruise ships were his preferred method of travel. He went on more than 30 cruises during his lifetime, always accompanied by various family and friends. In 2013, he moved to Boynton Beach, Florida to be close to his grandchildren who were the light of his life. Bob had a great sense of humor and loved his children and grandchildren deeply.

Bob is survived by his wife Catherine Hyjek Cannon, his children: Michael Cannon (Michele DeMarco Cannon) of Aventura, Florida, Kelly Cannon Mascio (Robert Mascio, Jr.) of Boynton Beach, Florida, his 4 grandchildren: Mackenzie, Natalie, Matthew, and Juliana, his sisters Nancy Cannon Petillo (Frank Petillo) of Green Cove Springs, Florida, Jeannie Cannon Gilroy (John Gilroy) of Apopka, Florida, and Ellen Cannon Milewski (Frank Milewski) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. A viewing in Bob’s honor will be held on Thursday, December 16th at 11am at Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 6411 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33405. A funeral mass will immediately follow at 2pm at St. Ann Catholic Church, 310 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made in his name to The Children’s Heart Foundation in honor of his youngest granddaughter who was born with a congenital heart defect.