A few months ago we lost Andrew R. Cannon, a wonderful man, a community leader, a fun guy to be around and a hard worker.

So many people knew and loved Andy. He worked for 25 years as the Chief of Probation for the State of Connecticut and volunteered for more than 30 years with the Poquetanuck Fire Department. 

After retiring from the state in 2010, he continued to work in the community in various positions including at Home Depot in Lisbon, driving a school bus in town and working in several retail stores. 

Andy dedicated his after-work hours volunteering at Saint Patrick Cathedral School in Norwich, from which his two girls, Megan and Molly, graduated. 

He was president of the Home and School Association, volunteered as athletic director for three years, coached basketball, chaired several annual auctions, coordinated spaghetti dinners and was a member of the school’s Board of Trustees. 

He was also secretary on the Board of Stewards for the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, one of his many roles as a member. 

Andy genuinely loved St. Patrick School and enjoyed being around people. That love resonated with everyone around him, so much so that people gravitated toward him to do whatever they could to help. If he asked you to do something, he was one of those people you did not want to say no to. 

In his memory we created the Andrew Cannon scholarship, which will be awarded to a graduating Saint Patrick School student beginning this year. 

Saint Patrick Cathedral School will hold its first Spring Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 15 in memory of Andy. Proceeds from the event will be dedicated to the scholarship fund and to benefit the school. 

The Spring Festival will be held in the Cathedral parking lot and feature fun activities. Crafters, vendors and food trucks will showcase their goods and food.  DJ Mike Herman of Big Herm Productions will play music and host karaoke.  Some of the children’s activities include mask decorating, rock painting and sunflower planting.

Pray for a sunny day! Should it rain the event will be moved to May 22nd.  

I sincerely hope you can join us on May 15th as we bring our school and local communities together to continue the legacy of our friend Andy.

By Linda Nystrom