John Canney Obituary

John Frederick Canney passed away unexpectedly on May 3, 2025, in his hometown of Cohasset, MA. He was 78 years old.
John was born in Davenport, Iowa, to John J. and Marjorie Canney and raised in Needham, MA. A devoted husband and father who always put his family before himself, is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara Hedges Canney, and his son, Garrett MacArthur Canney.
John is predeceased by his brothers, Neil and Bruce Canney, and is a beloved brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle.
He was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he studied German Literature. Following college, he worked on Wall Street, his introduction to the world of finance. He eventually started a municipal advisory group in Boston.
A member of the Cohasset Yacht Club, John had a passion for sailing. Always the patient, steady, and capable captain, he loved sailing his Atlantic City Catboat, Annie S. As an avid reader, he considered the Mathematics Dictionary light reading. Recently John rediscovered his love of painting and could be found working on a thumbnail print at any given time.
John was a dear and humble man of greatness and the world is diminished by his loss.
There will be a Memorial Service Sunday, May 25th, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Cohasset, at 2:00 pm. A celebration will follow immediately afterward at the Lightkeeper's Cottage, Cohasset. Please consider carpooling for the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local non-profit organization of your choice.