Paul Edwin Cannon

Chapel Hill, NC — Paul Edwin Cannon, 92, died on October 2, 2026. He was born March 19, 1934, to the late Edwin John Cannon and Frances “Bobby” Peet Cannon.

Paul was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, a city he loved throughout his life. He graduated from Canisius High School, where he played basketball and was later inducted into the Canisius High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He served in the U.S. Army as a corporal clerk in Waikiki, Hawaii, before graduating from Canisius College.

Most importantly, Paul married the love of his life and his “commander”, Annette McCleary. This past August, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, friendship, laughter, and adventure.

Paul spent his career in sales, including a long tenure with Concord Labs/SIMS, selling hospital supplies throughout Western New York. When he retired, he never looked back and spent time with his children and grandchildren, traveling throughout the United States and Europe, and enjoying life in some of his favorite places. Over the years, Paul and Annette made homes in Crystal Beach, Ontario; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Fearrington Village; and, eventually, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Paul embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved college basketball and the Buffalo Bills, trips to the racetrack, riding his bike, racquetball, the beach, skiing, golf, and swimming laps. But more than any particular hobby or place, Paul loved people.

He truly never knew a stranger. Whether he was at the grocery store, the gas station, a restaurant, or the doctor’s office, Paul found a way to connect with people. He had a song or dance for just about everyone. His quick wit would bring a smile without even trying, and his family will forever remember his “Pallyisms”— perfectly timed little quips that were uniquely his.

Paul took genuine interest in the lives of his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. He wanted to know what they were doing, how they were doing, and how he could help. He was generous with his time, attention, encouragement, and love.

Paul was a devout Catholic and was affiliated with both the UNC Newman Catholic Community and St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill. His faith was an important part of his life, as was service to others. During retirement, he regularly volunteered with Meals on Wheels.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Annette McCleary Cannon; his six children, Anne (Tim) Rack, Paul (Cheryl) Cannon, Marty (Beth) Cannon, Pat (Jen) Cannon, Mary (Adam) Gearing, and Molly (Charlie Wiss) Cannon; his 17 grandchildren, Alison (Ben), Katherine (Jordan), Trey (Elizabeth), Lizzie (Colman), Mary Catherine, Caitlin, Lauren (John), Lily (Kai), Ethan, John, Matthew (Alysha), Erin, Kathleen, Zoe (Ryan), Charlie, Sophie, and Lila; and his five great-grandchildren, Jean, George, Poppy, Rory, and Owen.

He is also survived by his sisters, Ellen O’Connell, Mary Schultz, and Karen Georger, as well as many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Anne Hourihan, Patrick Cannon, and Carol Jemison.

Paul leaves behind a large and loving family, countless stories, and a lifetime of laughter. Those who knew him will remember his humor, his warmth, his curiosity about other people, and his remarkable ability to make an ordinary encounter a little more fun. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the UNC Newman Catholic Community, 218 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Transitions LifeCare.

The Cannon family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be shared through Hall-Wynne Funeral Service’s obituary page.