Bartholomew W. Gannon, long-time Ridgefield resident, died at Danbury Hospital on March 4, 2013, with his family at his bedside.
Bart, as he was fondly called, was born in the Bronx, NY, on July 31, 1937, to Bartholomew and Madeline Steinmueller Gannon. He attended St. Anthony’s elementary school and was a proud and faithful alumnus of All Hallows High School and Iona College, from which he received both his undergraduate and MBA degrees. While in college Bart volunteered as a member of the U. S. Naval Reserves.
On October 22, 1959, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Bart married Gladys O’Brien of Port Chester, NY. Their loving partnership endured for the rest of his days and produced three terrific children – two boys and a girl. The growing family moved to Ridgefield in 1963.
Bart began his business career with the National Association of Security Dealers in New York City and then moved into a position with Main Street Management Company in Fairfield, CT. After a time, the call of the city enticed him once again, and he took a job with Gulf & Western Corporation. There, he advanced through increasingly responsible roles within the Tax Department, and it was common for Bart to uncover previously unnoticed and significant savings for the firm. The company evolved into what is now Viacom, from which he retired in 2000.
When not working, Bart loved spending time with his family. As the children grew, he devoted as much time as possible supporting their activities. He volunteered as both a little league and hockey coach and spent many pre-dawn Sunday mornings at the hockey rink with his boys. That time was always followed by Sunday Mass, however, since his Catholic faith was so important to Bart. He and Gladys were founding members of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and also were very involved in the Emmaus Program of spiritual retreats for teens and young adults.
In addition to his years working with Emmaus, Bart also participated in St. Elizabeth Seton’s religious education program, readying many classes of children to make their Confirmation. He also volunteered for more than 20 years at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury. In recognition of his selfless devotion to these causes, in 2010 Bart received the St. Augustine Medal of Service from Bishop William E. Lori, then Bishop of the Bridgeport Diocese. Bart was also a member of the Ridgefield Jaycees, and was a lifelong Yankee fan.
In addition to his loving wife, Bart is survived by his wonderful children, son Bart and wife Sue of Danbury; daughter Wendy and husband Mark Lionetti, and son Sean, of Ridgefield; as well as cherished grandchildren Maia Lionetti Tracy (Danny), Colorado; Braden Lionetti (Jade), San Diego; John Lionetti, Ridgefield; Jack and Wes Gannon, Danbury. He’s also survived by sisters Rosemary Gannon, Madeline Gannon Hasson (James) and brother, John Gannon, sisters-in-law Barbara Gannon, Bridget O’Brien MacConnell and several nieces and nephews. Bart was predeceased by his brother, Michael.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 10, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Fr. Joseph A. Prince, Pastor, will take place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 11, at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 520 Ridgebury Rd., Ridgefield.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bart’s name to the St. Elizabeth Seton Confirmation Program, 520 Ridgebury Rd., Ridgefield, CT 06877; or All Hallows High School Annual Fund, 111 E. 164th St., Bronx, NY 10452.
