James E. McCann

James E. McCann With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of beloved husband and father James E. McCann on June 14, 2025. Born on January 27th, 1932, in Lewiston, New York to Joseph and Evelyn McCann. He enjoyed 93 years of a life filled with dedication, love and laughter and will be remembered for his quick Irish wit and humorous spirit.

Jim served 4 years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Dyess DDR 880 during the Korean War. In 2017 he participated in the Honor Flight program accompanied by his eldest son Jim.

Jim graduated cum laude from SUNY Brockport and received an assistantship to Washington State University, where he completed his master’s degree. He also earned certification in guidance counseling from the University of Rochester. Jim was a physical education teacher in Seattle, WA and the Greece Central School District for 32 years. A caring teacher, Jim was dedicated to his students and left a lasting impact on the school community.

In addition to his volunteer work, he served on the Town of Greece Recreation Commission, he developed the “pocket parks” at many of the elementary schools in Greece.

During his 34 years of retirement, he and his wife Linda enjoyed many travels which included several European countries, Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Costa Rica, and many cruises throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Transatlantic cruises were their favorites.

He was an avid sports fan of the Boston Celtics, New York Yankees, and Buffalo Bills, but his greatest joy was attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. His gift of love and devotion for his family will be cherished as their lives continue.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Linda; son James (Robin) Woodstock, GA.; daughter, Kristen Maggiolino (Tim) Whitesboro, NY; son, Patrick (Meg) Rochester, NY; cherished grandchildren James, Michael, Kali, Kaitlyn, Kara and Alice; sister, Barbara Narehood (Niagara Falls, NY), brother-in-law, Francis “Skip” Keenan (Melinda), Las Vegas, NV; several nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends and colleagues. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Eveyln McCann, in-laws, Raymond and Alice Keenan, sisters Sharon Magee and Marilyn Neeson, brothers-in-law, Raymond Keenan, Richard Keenan, Hugh Neeson, Robert Narehood and special friends Thomas and Rosalie Maggiolino.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of James to Honor Flight Rochester, Inc. P.O.Box 23581 Rochester, NY 14692 https://honorflightrochester.org/donations/ Special Olympics, an organization near and dear to Jim’s heart. https://support.specialolympics.org/a/new-york or St. Lawrence Church, 1000 N.Greece Rd. Rochester, NY 14626.

Calling Hours – 6/19/25 4pm-6pm at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home 777 Long Pond Rd., Rochester, NY 14612. Funeral Mass will be Friday, June 20, 2025 at 9:30am at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 1000 N. Greece Rd., Rochester, NY 14626.