Robert "Roby" A. Cann

Robert “Roby” A. Cann, age 78, of Wakefield, passed away on Tuesday, December 2. He lived a life defined by integrity, devotion, and a deep love for family and friends.

He was born in Stoneham on July 26, 1947 and was the son of the late George “Gill” Cann Sr. and Alice (Finn) Cann. He was the beloved husband of the late Jane (Gavin) Cann. He was the loving father of Matthew Cann and his wife Kelly of South Hamilton and Courtney Cann of Peabody. He was the loving grandfather of Gavin, Aidan, and Chase Cann. He was the brother to George Cann and his wife Susan of Melrose, Janet Sibley & her husband Richard of AZ, and the late Jean Avery & her late husband James of CA. He was a loving uncle to Brian Cann and his wife Jean of Hopkinton. He was also a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews from all sides of the family.

Roby was a Melrose native, attended St. Mary’s School and Melrose High School before graduating from Dartmouth College, where he captained the hockey team, and later earned an MBA from Boston University. Roby married his middle school sweetheart, Jane, and together they shared more than 51 years of marriage raising their two children.

He loved cheering for his children, Matt and Courtney, through every sporting event and life milestone, and later took equal joy in supporting his grandsons through their athletic and academic endeavors.

Roby devoted more than 35 years to Raytheon, serving in a variety of roles and retiring as Assistant Controller, Corporate Government Accounting.

He was a proud 43-year member of Bear Hill Golf Club, where he served as Treasurer and on the Board of Associates. For many years, he was known as the “Commissioner” of the afternoon golf group. He and his dog Maisie loved being part of the Heron Pond Community in Wakefield.

Known for his warmth and easy conversation, Roby never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham on Friday December 12 at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend a “Celebration of Roby” at Bear Hill Golf Club in Stoneham at 11:45. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert’s name to GBH at wgbh.org/support or mailed to GBH, PO Box 55875, Boston, MA 02205-5875.