William Roger Canny, a long-time resident of Nashua, New Hampshire, died peacefully but unexpectedly at his home on September 27, 2022.
Born on August 8, 1937 in South Boston, Massachusetts, Bill was a son of the late Roger and Mary Ellen (Duffy) Canny, immigrants from County Donegal, Ireland.
Bill is survived by his son Liam Canny of Surrey, England, his daughter and son-in-law, Eileen and Michael Kelly of Groton, Massachusetts, his beloved grandchildren, Patrick and Megan Kelly, and his sisters Patricia (Canny) Donnell, Anna (Canny) Tedeschi, his sisters in law Margaret Canny, Judith Canny, Carol Canny, Eileen Twigg, as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill was pre-deceased by Maureen, his beloved wife of 47 years, and his brothers John, James, Daniel, and his sisters Catherine, Mary and Frances.
Proud of his South Boston roots, Bill was a graduate of Gate of Heaven High School where he played varsity basketball and baseball. As a young man, he loved to play baseball at M Street Park in an era that pre-dated organized leagues.
Bill graduated from Northeastern University in 1960 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He worked for Raytheon Corporation for most of his professional career.
Bill is remembered for his selfless dedication to youth development in the City of Nashua. For over 30 years, he coached the St Christopher’s parish basketball teams in the Nashua Deanery CYO league. For over a decade, he coached minor league baseball in the Nashua Parks and Recreation Department. For a few seasons, he even coached soccer in the Nashua Y League although he knew little about the sport. A volunteer coach, he spent countless hours faithfully dedicated to the character development of the young people of Nashua through the medium of sport.
An enthusiastic traveller, Bill visited numerous countries with his family. A communicant of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, he was also a faithful member of the Club National where he forged long-lasting friendships. A diehard sports fan, he had a deep allegiance to the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Notre Dame. Renowned for his intelligence, warmth and wit, Bill was an avid reader who loved to regale visitors on any number of stories from history. He was a fountain of knowledge of Canny and Duffy family history. He also enjoyed reciting poetry and loved to sing solo or along with the crowd. Possessing a boundless joie-de-vivre, Bill was one of life’s great characters. Generous with his hospitality, he loved the company of others. Nimble-minded and larger than life, he loved to recount captivating tales where he never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Bill Canny will be sorely missed by family, friends, and neighbors.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Sunday afternoon, October 2nd from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Monday morning at 11 o’clock. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE
