Army Veteran, Chester Firefighter Dies at 79

John Cannon, affectionately known as Jack, was a staple in the community.

The United States Army veteran died Thursday surrounded by his family at the age of 79, according to his obituary.

Cannon, of Long Valley and formerly of Chester, was a member of numerous community organizations, including American Legion Post 342 in Chester and the American Veterans Association of Washington Township. Cannon was also an exempt member of the Chester Fire Department and the NRA.

He belonged to the Shongum Sportsmen’s Association and was a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Long Valley.

Cannon was also a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers 825 in Springfield for more than 40 years.=

Cannon is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine, five daughters, and 10 grandchildren. He is predeceased by one grandson.

A celebration of Cannon’s life will be held at William J. Leber Funeral Home, 15 Furnace Road on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 13 at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Long Valley.

Memorial donations can be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 1719, Route 10 Suite 229, Parsippany, NJ 07054.