It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Joseph Cannarella, who left this world on February 20, 2026, at the age of 91. He spent his final days at the Cornerstone Hospice Center in Lady Lake, Florida, after a brief illness. Joseph was born on March 27, 1934, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Santo and Mary Cannarella. His life was one filled with service, adventure, and dedication to family and community.
Joseph began his industrious journey at the young age of 14, working in a pharmacy and contributing to his father’s print shop alongside his brother Ray. His early achievements included attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout and being an ROTC cadet during high school. After obtaining a pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut in 1956, he entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant, managing the pharmacy at Fort Carson, Colorado.
A Life of Service and Adventure
In 1957, Joseph married Mary Jo Hagius, and the couple moved to New England the following year to raise their family. He transitioned into the corporate world as a salesman for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, ultimately rising to the position of regional manager for New England before retiring in 1998. His commitment to service continued as he served as an officer in the Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1997.
Joseph was not only known for his professional accomplishments but also for his passion for the outdoors. A lifelong hunter and fisherman, he took an active role in the Nashua Fish and Game Club, even serving as its President and teaching outdoor survival courses. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he owned a small business that created Sav-T-Pak, an outdoor survival kit tailored for hunters.
Joseph’s adventurous spirit was exemplified when he survived the sinking of a charter cruise ship in 1998 off the Galapagos Islands, a harrowing incident that claimed the lives of four passengers and a crew member. He embraced the RV snowbird lifestyle, returning to Nashua, New Hampshire, each spring. In 2013, he bought a home in The Villages, Florida, where he settled permanently in 2021. There, he remained active, participating in woodworking projects and coordinating CPR training with The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Family and Community Legacy
Joseph’s love for golf kept him on the green well into his 90s. He is survived by his children Ronald Cannarella and Catherine Haines, along with son-in-law Eric Haines. His grandchildren, Ryan and Evan Haines, as well as several nieces and nephews, will also cherish his memory. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Jo Hagius, sister Frances Mackey, and brother Raymond Cannarella, Joseph’s legacy is one of love and devotion.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for March 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Lady Lake, Florida. Following the mass, a reception will be held at the Dignity Memorial Life Celebration Center in Wildwood, FL. Interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL, at 2 PM after the Celebration of Life service. For those unable to attend, the mass will be live-streamed on St. Timothy’s YouTube channel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders, honoring Joseph’s commitment to helping others.
As we remember Joseph Cannarella, we also reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans like him who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Organizations dedicated to supporting veterans, such as the Freedom Waters Foundation and Hearts and Homes for Veterans, offer vital resources and services to help them transition into civilian life.
Joseph Cannarella’s life was not just a story of achievements; it was a testament to the values of service, community, and love for family. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.