Walter "Terry" Cannon, Jr.

Walter F. Cannon, Jr., known to all as Terry, age 82, of Wilmington, passed away on December 13, 2022, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, following a brief illness.  

Terry was born on October 18, 1940, in Malden, MA; he was the son of the late Walter Sr. and Vivian (Vogel) Cannon.  Terry was raised and educated in Malden, MA.

Terry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. in December 1958.  Terry served for four years active duty with postings at the Pentagon and White house – he was especially proud of being known as “Terry from Malden” by President Kennedy in his time there. Terry was honorably discharged from active duty in December of 1962 and returned home to his family.

Terry married "the love of his life" Lenny Gigliotti in April 1962; the couple shared more than 60 years together, raised a beautiful family, and had a lot of fun times.  Terry and Lenny made their home in Wilmington in 1965 where they quickly became part of the community.  Terry started his career as a plumber, earned his Master’s license and established his own business.   Terry was involved with the Wilmington Minutemen, The Knights of Columbus and a past president of the Wilmington Kiwanis club.

Terry took his Master plumbing skills to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and then the Lahey Clinic in Burlington on the "ground floor" as a charter member of the plumbing and maintenance staff in 1980.  Terry had a great work ethic, a vast knowledge of his field, and was an impeccable craftsman; all attributes that made him quite successful at Lahey.  He was dependable and knew how to fix just about anything for anyone in any department.  Terry made many great friends at Lahey throughout the years and he also enjoyed playing Santa Claus at their annual Christmas parties for many years.

Terry enjoyed many things in life; he loved his work, camping “up country” in Henniker and later at Newfound Lake with family and friends, his "furry" family of dogs, riding his motorcycle, and his 1951 Ford Sedan but his first priority was his family.  Terry loved his family unconditionally and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do to make their life easier.  Terry cherished his role as "Pal" and "Papa" to his grandchildren and "G-Pop" to his great-grandchildren; he beamed with pride as he spoke of them and was always so proud of his family.

Terry will be fondly remembered as a "great guy" who had a heart of gold.  Terry was a wonderful family man, a good worker, a great neighbor, a true friend, and a proud Veteran; he went out of his way to do for others and would literally give you the shirt off his back.  Terry touched so many people throughout his life and will forever be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Terry was the beloved husband of Lenny Cannon, devoted father of Thomas Cannon & his wife Debbie of Merrimack, NH, Bonnie Davy & her husband John of Wilmington and Julie Hemenway & her husband John of Woburn. Lovingly known as "Papa" or "Pal" to his grandchildren Kelly, John, Matt, Kevin, Kyle, Joey, Miranda, Jonathan, Jay, and Megan, as well as "G-Pop" to his great-grandchildren Lucas, Parker, Giovanni, Isla, and J.D.  Dear brother of Michelle Williams of Amesbury, David Cannon Sr. & his wife Cathy of Franklin, IN, Mark Cannon of Chicago, IL, Mary-Jo Gleed of Exeter, NH, Neal Cannon & his wife Penny of Reading, and the late Brian Cannon.  Brother-in-law of Frank & Ruth Gigliotti of Ipswich and John & Joyce Gigliotti of Wilmington.  Terry is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends are welcomed to gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, December 16th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Terry's memory made to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA  22172.  

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com