Joseph Cannarella: A Life of Service and Adventure
Joseph Cannarella, known affectionately as Joe to those who cherished him, passed away on February 20, 2026, at the Cornerstone Hospice Center in Lady Lake, Florida, after a brief illness. He was 91 years old. Born on March 27, 1934, in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the son of Santo and Mary Cannarella. Even as a young boy, Joe was known for his tenacity and determination, working in a pharmacy from the tender age of 14 and helping his family with their print shop alongside his brother Ray.
Joe’s early accomplishments were noteworthy. He achieved the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout and was an ROTC cadet during his high school years, demonstrating leadership and commitment from a young age. In 1956, he graduated with a pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut and entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he managed the pharmacy.
A Family Man and Business Leader
He married Mary Jo Hagius in 1957, and the couple soon moved to New England in 1958 to raise their family. Joe transitioned into the pharmaceutical world as a salesman for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, where he rose to the position of regional manager for New England before retiring in 1998. His military career continued in the Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of Colonel, marking a career filled with public service and dedication.
In addition to his professional career, Joe was passionate about the outdoors, spending many days hunting and fishing. He was actively involved with the Nashua Fish and Game Club, where he served as President and taught outdoor survival courses. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create Sav-T-Pak, a renowned outdoor survival kit for hunters, and co-found the Can-Dee-Apple cattery, which specialized in Siamese cats, in 1991.
Adventurer and Community Member
Joe’s adventurous spirit was tested when he survived a tragic charter cruise ship sinking off the Galapagos Islands in 1998, a harrowing experience that remained a part of his storied life. He enjoyed a snowbird lifestyle, often returning to Nashua, New Hampshire in the spring, and later settled in The Villages, Florida, permanently in 2021.
Beyond his professional achievements and personal pursuits, Joe was actively involved in the woodworking shop within his community and helped coordinate CPR training with The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He cherished his golf outings, continuing the sport regularly well into his 90s.
A Legacy of Love and Remembrance
Joe Cannarella was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Jo, sister Frances Mackey, and brother Raymond Cannarella. He leaves behind a loving family, including his children Ronald Cannarella and Catherine Haines, son-in-law Eric Haines, along with grandchildren Ryan and Evan Haines, and numerous nieces and nephews who fondly remember him.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for March 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Lady Lake, Florida, with a reception to follow at Dignity Memorial Life Celebration Center in Wildwood. His interment will take place at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 2 PM. For those wishing to pay tribute, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Doctors Without Borders, continuing Joe’s legacy of service to others.
Joseph Cannarella was not only a devoted family man and successful professional, but he also exemplified the spirit of giving back to the community. His life was a profound testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and compassion, which inspire all who had the privilege to know him.
For more about his life, you can visit Nashua Telegraph and view his memorial on Find A Grave. Furthermore, as a veteran, his story resonates with the ongoing importance of supporting those who have served. Various nonprofit organizations provide vital resources to veterans transitioning back to civilian life, highlighting the importance of community support in their journeys. For insights into these organizations, visit Goodera.