Richard Michael Cannon

Richard Michael Cannon, 62, of Wakefield, RI, peacefully passed away at home on Monday, June 5, 2023, after a courageous 12 year battle with cancer. He was born in Providence RI to his parents Richard White Cannon and the late Nancy Blackwell Cannon. Richard was the grandson of Jack and Grace Cannon of Providence, RI, and Wallace and Bernice Blackwell of Sagamore, MA.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 33 years, Ellen Ruffini Cannon. He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Eileen Grace (Christopher Waller), Corinne Elizabeth, and Mary Katherine. He held dear his close friends Scott Billings, John O'Leary, and Annie Michaud, who he considered his 4th daughter. He will also be missed by his loyal border collie, Dixie, who was his "little buddy”.

After graduating from Cumberland High School, Richard pursued his passion for Criminal Justice, earning a BS degree from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. He dedicated 30 years of his career as a special agent with the U.S. Department of Defense, Criminal Investigative Service in Connecticut. Prior to that, he served as an investigator for the Department of the Interior in Colorado and Washington D.C. Richard’s commitment to his work led him to Iraq, where he courageously served as a DOD Investigator for 6 months in 2009-2010. He also played a significant role in the investigation and cleanup efforts following 9/11 in NYC.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Richard was a devoted family man. He enjoyed participating in all events with his wife and three daughters, ranging from sports to performing arts and music. He took great pride in his handyman skills, considering himself a rare and vanishing breed. Richard built and renovated the Cannon family home in Marlborough, CT, and subsequently purchased a fixer-upper retirement home in RI, which he lovingly restored in just two years for his family.

A burial at sea will take place, followed by a celebration of Richard's life at his home in RI later this summer.

Richard held a deep affection for the beach in RI and cherished his time spent there. In lieu of flowers, we kindly invite you to honor Richard's memory by spending a day with your family on the water, whether it's enjoying the sand, sun, water, or the beauty of nature.

He wishes you all fair winds and following seas.