Dr. Edward J. Cannon of Bryn Mawr, an eye surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital, passed peacefully on September 21, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.
He was the beloved husband of the late Nancy Meehan Cannon and brother of the late Frank Cannon and Agnes McGowan.
Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Frank D. and Agnes Monaghan Cannon.
Dr. Cannon grew up in Philadelphia and was an Alumnus of La Salle, Villanova, Temple and University of Pennsylvania graduate School of Medicine. Enlisted in the Navy in 1943, and was a Captain in the Army where he served as the Assistant Chief of Ophthalmology at Tokyo Army Hospital during the Korean War.
Dr. Cannon had a long and distinguished career. His professionalism, dedication and service to the community was appreciated by those he served, and was also recognized by his colleagues. Some of the recognitions and memberships he was invited to join included; Fellow of American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Ophthalmology and International College of Surgeons, a member of Philadelphia County Medical Society and Pennsylvania State Medical Society. His dedication to the profession also included helping the future doctors by teaching Biology at LaSalle University.
Throughout his life many things changed, however, his faith never did. It was always centered on his special devotion to the Blessed Mother and his family. He was also a longtime active and faithful communicant of St. John Vianney Church and Member of Knights of Columbus and Circle of Leaders of Catholic Charities Appeal.
He shared many travel adventures at home and abroad with his family. His love of the Jersey shore started with summers in Ventnor and Ocean City in his youth. Later he enjoyed many happy memories with his wife and their nine daughters at their summer home in Longport. Cruising the four corners of the world was his passion. His professional designation was MD but his daughters lovingly referred to him as WT “World Traveler”.
He also had a passion for all things art, from the Grand Masters to the Impressionists. He had a scholar’s library of art books which he enjoyed on a daily basis.
Above and beyond his accomplishments and recognitions, he was first and foremost a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by all his family.
He is survived by his 9 loving daughters; Eva Cannon (Robert Westerlund), Nancy Cannon, Mary Magazzu (Mark), Maureen Meehan, Agnes Wismer (Richard), Lisa Gruchacz (Robert), Joanne Raphaelson (Mark), Colleen Tulskie (James), Constance Crump (Glenn), brother of Joseph Cannon (Betty Lou) He is also survived by his 19 devoted grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 from 9:00 am until his Concelebrated Funeral Mass 11:00am at St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken State Rd. Gladwyne, PA 19053. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Conshohocken.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Discalced Carmelite Monastery, 66th and Old York Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19126.