Thomas J. Cannon

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Thomas J. Cannon, age 77, of Merrillville, IN, formerly of the southeast side of Chicago and Calumet City, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Barbara Rodman Cannon. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mary Cannon. Dear brother of the late Mary C. Tafoya, late Margaret (late William) Reed, and the late JoAnn (Ralph) Matthes. Fond uncle of Michelle (Raymond) Mitchell, Tina Tafoya, Andrea (David) Kranz, Mary (late Mike) Hebda, Bernard (Nancy) Tafoya, Michael Tafoya, and Edward (Riedae) Matthes. Cherished grandfather of Marisa Simmons, Jacob (Nicole) Simmons, Joey Simmons, and Mya Simmons and great-grandfather of Jaxon Simmons.  Great uncle to Nicole Tafoya, Matthew (Lauren) Tafoya, Anthony Tafoya, Adam (Megan) Tafoya, Joelle (Joseph Prettyman) Tafoya, Christopher Mitchell, and Aubrey Kranz. Great-great uncle to Robert Tafoya, Stella Tafoya, Penelope Tafoya, and Sylvie Tafoya.

A lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox, Tom found joy in cheering on his favorite teams and attending Mount Carmel games, where his enthusiasm and support were evident to everyone around him. His love for sports was matched only by his dedication to his family, particularly his cherished nieces Mary, Andrea, Tina, and Michelle, his grandchildren Mya, Joey, Jacob, and Marisa, as well as his great-grandson, Jaxon. He was a constant presence in their lives, offering guidance, support, and boundless affection as they grew up. Tom was not just a passionate fan and attentive uncle and grandpa; he was also a generous and reliable friend. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he exemplified kindness and selflessness, touching countless lives with his readiness to assist others. Tom retired recently from Gateway Warehouse in Calumet City, IL. He was a Bingo volunteer at St. Mary’s School in Griffith, Indiana.  Tom served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran in Korea. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a wake service at 1:30 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Ln, Dyer, IN.  A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. leaving for a Funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church 525 N. Broad Street, Griffith, IN.  Interment Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery – Calumet City, IL.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association ( https://www.heart.org/ ) or Mount Carmel High School ( https://www.mchs.org/give) .

Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home – Dyer, IN.  For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit www.SMITSFH.com