Francis Giles Cannon, Business Owner and Avid Boater

Francis Giles Cannon, 84, business man and avid boater, passed away on Monday, January 15th, in Broward County, Florida.  A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Francis' legacy of hard work, generosity, and kindness will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

A native of Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, Francis was the loving husband, of Sandra (Parrish) Cannon (Vineland, NJ) with whom he shared 59 years of marriage and companionship, creating a home filled with warmth and love. Their unwavering commitment to one another, dedication to their five children, and shared vision were inspiring to all who knew them.

Having attended Ridley Senior High School, Francis took great pride in being an esteemed graduate and treasured the memories and friendships he made during his tenure. He also pursued higher education at Temple University, obtaining an associate's degree. Nonetheless, the most precious and everlasting life teachings for Francis originated from his parents, Giles and Ruth Cannon. They instilled in him the belief that hard work, diligence and integrity in your business dealings would lead to great success, and they did.

Francis embarked on his professional journey by joining his father's masonry contracting company, Giles J. Cannon Inc., where he honed his skills as a union bricklayer and project manager. Eventually, he ventured into entrepreneurship and established his own thriving enterprises. Leveraging his expertise in the building trades and his talent as a bricklayer, Francis utilized his resources to acquire and develop various residential and commercial rental properties, operating as "Cannon Properties" for over half a century. His wife, Sandra, joined him as a business partner, and together they became prominent figures in the rental real estate industry in Delaware County. In 1977, Francis further expanded his endeavors by venturing into the development and operation of mini storage facilities  in  Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

A Rotarian with perfect meeting attendance for more than fifty years, Francis exemplified the core principles of the Rotary Club throughout his lifetime, consistently demonstrating a strong sense of service and compassion. His unwavering dedication to assisting those in need was evident as he readily extended a helping hand to the less fortunate. Notably, Francis initiated an annual scholarship for deserving students at Delaware County Community College, showcasing his commitment to supporting education. Going beyond geographical boundaries, he also dedicated extensive time and financial support to Rotary's charitable efforts in Juarez Mexico.  His philanthropic spirit and quiet devotion to giving back garnered the utmost respect from all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In his leisure time, Francis found solace and joy in his love for boating.  Spending countless hours on his boat, he enjoyed navigating the inter-coastal waterways as well as the open water, loved working in the engine room and often entertained family and friends with trips and tours from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brigantine, New Jersey and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Francis is pre-deceased by his parents, Giles and Ruth Cannon, his brothers, Michael and Giles (Reds) Cannon, Jr. and son Francis Cannon, Jr. He is survived by: his wife Sandra Cannon; his remaining four children with Sandra, Nancy Niermann (Fran), John Cannon (Shawn), Mark Cannon (Christine), and Laurie Cannon; his three children from a prior marriage, Giles J. Cannon, III (Tammy), Ruth Ann Joseph and Robin Romero (Guy); his brothers Harry Cannon (Betty) and Robert Cannon (Diana); his sister, Ruth Fulkersin; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Francis' memory will continue to inspire us all to live with compassion, work with dedication, and embrace the simple joys that life offers. Visitation 9:30-11:00am and prayer service to follow, Thursday, January 25, at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Media, PA.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Francis with a contribution to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. ( alzfdn.org )

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Arrangements provided by:

Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
Media, PA
www.haganfuneralhome.com