John Francis "Truck" Cannon

John Francis (“Truck”) Cannon, formerly of Lee, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Mt. Greylock Extended Care in Pittsfield after a long stay due to diabetic complications.

Born in Pittsfield on August 25, 1943 to the late Joseph and Margaret Shea Cannon, John attended St. Mary’s the Morning Star School and was a 1961 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, after which he enlisted in the Marine Reserves. For over 30 years, he was an employee of Beloit Corporation in Dalton until its closing in 2000, which deeply affected him as well as many of his close coworkers. Over the years, John enjoyed gathering regularly with these fellow coworkers who would bring him great joy even as the dementia progressed. After working for a few years at Becton Dickinson in Canaan, Connecticut John began his own lawn care service where he developed many relationships, always listening and assisting his clients. Through the years of many health issues, he had an amazing amount of support from fellow “Beloit Boys” as well as St. Joe classmates, who even today refer to him as “Truck” – a nickname he acquired in high school.

An avid sports fan, John followed the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots faithfully, welcoming gifts of sports caps and shirts as well as conversations with sports fans throughout the day.  Fortunate enough to have a phenomenal memory, John would strike up conversations everywhere he went, always recognizing people he met somewhere, sometime.  Driving around town, he would rarely be seen without a dog by his side, and often planned trips around areas that were willing to allow dogs. John liked to joke with young and old alike. His laugh was boisterous, especially noticeable when he was blessed by visitors from what we called “The Golden Boys”, where memories of people and experiences at Beloit were the topic of conversations.

John is survived by his loving companion and caregiver, Teresa Bragdon of Lee, her daughter, Tricia Bragdon of Lee, and her son, Rodney Bragdon of Winchester, VA, both of whom John supported unconditionally. He also leaves a nephew, Michael Cady and his wife Kelley of Pittsfield, and two nieces, Kathie DiNicola and her husband Geno of Dalton and Melissa Cady of Hinsdale, MA.  In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by a sister, Margaret “Peggy” Cady of Dalton, and a brother, Joseph Cannon of New Haven, CT.

The Bragdon family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Mt. Greylock Extended Care of Pittsfield for the outstanding care and compassion toward John, especially during the difficult time of COVID restrictions. The kindness shown to him throughout his lengthy stay helped to make his time there comfortable and the long days most pleasant. In addition, a sincere thank you to Hospice Care in the Berkshires for their care and untiring attention in his final days.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral services for John F. Cannon of Lee will be private at St. Mary’s Church in Lee.  Friends are welcome to join us at the burial service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Pittsfield, on Tuesday, January 19th at 11:15AM. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. John had a great admiration for volunteers and an unsurpassed love for animals, especially dogs. For those wishing to do so, donations in his memory may be made to Lee Fire Company or Berkshire Humane Society in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238.

If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net