Gary V. Canning

Gary “Sam” Canning, age 76 of Leominster, MA. passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 55 yrs Maureen (Barba) Canning. He leaves a son Christopher Canning and his wife Kathleen of Shirley, Ma. A daughter Beth (Canning) Spinelli and her husband Dennis of Leominster, Ma. He is also survived by five grandchildren Kassandra Spinelli, Rocco Spinelli, John Canning, Gregory Canning and Erin Canning. Sam was born Dec 21, 1947 in Niagara Falls, NY to James and Eileen Canning.

 He grew up in Friendship, NY and graduated from Friendship High School in 1965 where he was an outstanding basketball player. He then enlisted into the US Army and served with distinction in Viet Nam, he was honorably discharged Jan.3, 1969. Sam then attended Daytona Beach Jr. College but left to be a policeman in Washington DC. He married Maureen in October 1969 and moved to Leominster. He was employed at UPS where he met his dear friend Sandy DiPrima and they were still friends today. He then worked for Carr Brothers. The best job he had was at Fraticelli Oil Co. where he worked for over 25 yrs. During which he met so many wonderful people.

Sam enjoyed playing golf and his biggest thrill was playing at Pebble Beach, drinking beer with friends, going to car race weekends with his friend Ben Evens and Bernie Roy. He loved vacations in Maine, Aruba, Las Vegas and many, many cruises. The last 9 yrs wintering in Sarasota, Fl, enjoying friends and beaches. But his greatest pleasure was being Papa to his grandkids especially when they joined him at the pool.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Susan, brother Randy, his in-laws Frank & Assunta Barba. And his longtime friend Norman Fleming from Friendship NY.

Sam’s departure will leave an unfillable void in our lives, yet we will find comfort in the many wonderful memories we have of him.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 11 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M in the Richardson Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 12 at Holy Family of Nazareth, 750 Union St, Leominster at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in St. Leo Cemetery, Leominster.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vets Together, c/o John Churcher, 31 Starling Way, Leominster, MA 01453 or to the Beacon of Hope, 62 West St., Leominster, MA 01453.

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