Obituary of Walter McCann

J. Walter McCann, a longtime resident of Burlington, passed away peacefully at the Woodbriar of Wilmington Nursing Home of Thursday afternoon, September 13, 2007. The husband of the late Ruth G. (Dennen) who passed away in 2004, he was 87 years old. Walter was born in Lowell. He was the son of the late William F. and Alma McCann. He was raised and educated in Waltham and was a graduate of Waltham High School. Walter went on to further his education graduating from Lowell Institute of Technology where he majored in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He also attended M.I.T. in Cambridge. Walter and his late wife Ruth lived briefly in Lindenhurst, NY and Cleveland, OH prior to settling in Burlington where they raised their 7 children and became an active part of the community of Burlington. Walter was employed for over 37 years at Thomas A. Edison Industries and Exide Corp. where he had a successful career in Sales. Walter was dedicated to building the quality of life in Burlington by participating in town activities, government, children sports, and the spiritual community during the 1960’s & 1970’s. He was a member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus and was the oldest charter Member of the council. He was a member of the Third Degree and the Fourth Degree as well as Grand Knight in 1965. He was the Chief Councilor for the Columbian Squires. He was one of the founders of the Exceptional Children’s Fund Charity that is supported by the Knights of Columbus. Walter was a devoted parishioner of St. Margaret’s Church in Burlington. He was very involved in the Parish and was one of the first lay Eucharist Minister's. He also taught CCD. Walter was an active member of the Burlington Pop Warner Booster Club. He was a member of the Capital Budget Committee for the town. He enjoyed photography. He was an active sportsman and enjoyed camping, skiing, and golf. Walter was blessed to live a life that spanned 87 years filled with many happy times with his late wife Ruth, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Walter is the beloved husband of the late Ruth G. (Dennen). He is the loving father of Mildred & her husband Al Vigneau of Lowell, Helen & her husband Vincent Pastore of Sarasota, FL, William F. & his wife Maria of Burlington, David W. of Townsend, Ruth & her husband Joseph Lackie of Middleton, Elizabeth & her husband Richard Chaput of Franklin, and Richard C. & his wife Patricia of Burlington. Brother of Rita Mulvihill of Woburn and the late Raymond and Loretta McCann. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, September 17 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington, at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 3-7 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Walter’s name may be made to the Knights of Columbus Exceptional Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 25, Burlington, MA 01803. Joseph Walter McCann February 21, 1920 – September 13, 2007 Welcome Everyone. Thank you for being here with us today. On Thursday, my family gathered at my brother’s new home and we talked about Dad. There were so many things remembered and revered – in loving and painful ways. My family asked me to tell you a little bit about these memories now. The common themes remembered by all of us were; Deep devotion to his wife and their mutual belief in God His craving to hold a child, and in particular newborn babies Getting the “Third Degree” while he debated his beliefs and convictions, which stuck fear in the hearts of some His love for the church and the K of C His passion to tell a good story and to just “shoot the breeze” His difficult childhood born with a club foot, which as a result prevented him from serving with the Greatest Generation in WW2 At our house you had to pay attention in church as the Pastor was most likely to come home for dinner after mass, in particular Fr. Kaneen and Fr. Crispo. As a child, it was not uncommon to be woken up in our house at 3:00am on a weekend night to find the small kitchen packed with friends from the K of C after a function, cooking bacon and eggs, partying until the sun came up and downing shots of “VO”. If you have a few moments……….I’d like to share with you a short story about Dad. However, we have the rest of our lives to share and make new memories to pass on to our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Oh by the way…..we are all blessed and expect to have another great grandchild any day now. We are all really looking forward to meeting the new arrival! On a picture perfect late summer morning, shortly before lunch just the other day – God’s Angel came to them to sit and shoot the breeze for a while. Having just read the newspaper to him - he held his hands for keeps as Dad asked to rest his weary peeps. After 87 and ½ years of faithful service, God’s will for him on earth was done. When we gathered and shared our thoughts and stories - both happy and sad memories, we were thankful for the gift of peace he found. His love for the K of C came after Mum’s suggestion when they moved to Ohio upon their marriage. “A great way to make new friends” she said, and so he devoted all that he had to the order. The first degree – charity. The second degree – unity. The third degree – fraternity. So many friends and stories it is impossible to list them all here now. The fourth degree – patriotism and the Honor Guard where his peers referred to him as a “Gentleman’s Gentlemen.” These things he lived and taught his children as well. Esto Dignus - Tempest Fugit - Momento Mori - Vivat Jesus. Growing up with him was at times very hard as he was disciplined in his ways. Many times as the youngest I heard him proclaim – “It’s my way or the highway, and don’t let the door hit you on the (ass) on the way out!” But always, no matter what the differences in opinion may have been – his door and his heart never required a key to enter. We had many, many chats together. And in recent years traveling to and fro from one appointment to another, he shared many things about my brothers and sisters that I was much to young to learn about on my own. These I will cherish, fondle and share over the coming years at holiday parties, birthday parties or any time we are together. He said many times – “All you need are your brothers and sisters and you know everything about me - they will tell you by the way they live their lives and raise their children and grandchildren. All you have to do is watch, listen and enjoy.” Just yesterday morning as I wrote down these words when I knew you were gone, the cell phone in my heart rang. It was God’s Angel calling. (Pause) “I said Hi Mom! How are you doing today?” She replied: Oh, I’m fine, not to worry - everything is copesthetic. Dad made it home safely from his journey. Uncle Arthur and Jackie found him right away and brought him to us. Naturally, he was so happy to be with his mother, father, brother and sister again. I asked: Hey Mum, can you put Dad on the phone. (Pause) Hey Dad – How are you doing? Are you feeling ok? And Dad gleefully replied: Be sure to tell everyone that I am just “ S U P E R ! “