Obituary of David M. Cannell

David Morse Cannell, 77,  of Columbia, CT, beloved husband of Ruth E. Tracy, passed away on March 27, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by his family after bravely battling Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease. Born October 4, 1943, in Anniston, AL, Dave is preceded in death by his parents William Morse and Barbara Mae (nee Smith) Cannell.

A 1961 graduate of Oxford Area High School (PA), Dave excelled in the field of computer sciences.  He traveled the world throughout his IT career working in France, England, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Bali, Malta and Sicily.  He was commended for his actions following a terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia in 1996.

Dave contributed to many communities through his interests, abilities and skills.  He loved mentoring the Robotics team at E.O. Smith High School, Mansfield.  Dave was instrumental in educating young people in Rocketry through the Cato Rocket Club. 

As an avid boater Dave was active with the East Hartford Hockanum River Organization and the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD.  He volunteered as crew for the tall ship Gazella and enjoyed being on crew for log canoe racing sailboats in the Chesapeake Bay.  He even lived on his boat, Sea-Bea, for a year.  Dave was also one of the organizers of the Quiet Corner Contra Dance in Coventry.  Dave was caring and compassionate, willing to contribute time and energy to anyone that needed help.  He will be very missed at the Storrs Friends Meeting where he was a member.   

Dave is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Christina Louise Cannell Revell (Scott), Jia and Selina (Rong Dan) Gates, whom he loved as daughters, grandchildren Johnathon, David & Lizbeth Revell, brothers William Cannell (Anne) and Robert Cannell (Kathy), sister Susan Barclay (George) and many nieces and nephews.   

Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to these organizations: 

Cruetzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, www.cjdfoundation.org/donate

Storrs Friends Meeting Green Energy Fund

A science award scholarship at E.O. Smith High School

 E.O. Smith Science Award Scholarship LINK

A memorial service will be held at a later date when in-person services resume at the Storrs Friends Meeting House in Storrs. 

Funeral services are private under the care of the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester. For condolences online please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com