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1940-2026
John C. Cannell, 85, of New Waterford, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at Mercy Health in Youngstown, with his beloved wife Sandy by his side throughout his brief stay.
Born Dec. 30, 1940, in Salem, Ohio, he was the son of Charles "Zeke" and Beatrice (Burns) Cannell.
John and Sandy shared 59 years of marriage. Together, they raised their family of six daughters, took thousands of car rides, and made a lifetime of memories.
A 1959 graduate of East Palestine High School, John retired from General Motors Lordstown in 1994. After retirement, he continued working through his small landscaping business and around his home of 54 years.
John loved tinkering with his classic cars and going to car shows with Sandy throughout the tri-state area. He never hesitated to stop the car while on a ride and knock on a stranger's door to ask about a classic car in their driveway.
He spent decades attending local sporting events for his daughters and grandchildren for years after. You could often find John at these events, standing or sitting right inside the gym doors.
He stayed active throughout his life, traveling the country, running races and playing basketball well into his 70s.
In his later years, he enjoyed meeting up with some of his lifelong friends in East Palestine most days of the week, sharing stories and catching up, before taking a walk in the park.
He was a lifelong lover of pets, which included a pet raccoon and pet groundhog as a child, and many beloved dogs and cats throughout his life. He never met a stray that didn't eventually become a pet, and he even "adopted" several pets throughout his life that weren't up for adoption, including dogs, horses, and a donkey.
John will be remembered for his love of family, his lifelong friendships, his hard work, and the simple routines that made him happy. He knew people everywhere that he went and never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra (Buhn); their cat Hector; six daughters and sons-in-law, Amber (Dave) Smith, Julie (Chris) Radcliffe, Christine (Don) Shepard, Jackie (John Evans) Cannell, Summer (Gary) Allgood, and Valerie (Loren McCauley) Cannell; 12 grandchildren, Calvin, Abigail, Brady, Emma, Madison, Lydia, Gannon, Caden, Jenson, Maxwell, Marlowe, and Owen; five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, and granddaughter Isabella Allgood.
Per his wishes, no services will be held.
Linsley-Royal Funeral Home in East Palestine is in charge of arrangements.
www.linsley-royal.com
8/11/26