William C. “Niel” Cannon II
Concord, NH – William C. Cannon II, 79, of Concord, New Hampshire,
died on September 12, 2025. Niel was born in Washington DC on October
6, 1945, to Marian Hamilton and J. Dormer Cannon. He spent his
childhood in New York City and Lakeville, Connecticut. He attended St.
David’s School in New York City, Portsmouth Abbey School in Rhode
Island, Johns Hopkins University, and American University.
While in college, Niel met the love of his life, Jean Lyon, of
Baltimore. They married and spent the next 40 fulfilling years
together, while raising three kids. Niel lost his beloved Jean in
2008. Niel worked for the Economic Development Administration in
Philadelphia. Moving to Concord, New Hampshire in 1976, Niel became
the Economic Development Representative serving New Hampshire and
Vermont. In 1991, Niel was appointed Executive Director for the
Capital Regional Development Council, where he oversaw the growth of
the organization as it became a leader in economic development both
locally and statewide.
Niel was an avidly-golfing member of the Concord Country Club for 45
years. He was also a Friend of Bill (a member of AA). The recovery
community is where he found strength, purpose and a spiritual
connection.
In 2011, Niel reconnected with his old friend and colleague Dolores
Jordan, from Philadelphia, and they married in 2012.
He is survived by his children Jenifer Cannon, Will (Becky) Cannon and
Conor Cannon; his grandchildren Henry, Oliver, Eliza and Harper; his
wife Dolores Jordan, and her daughters Elizabeth, Kieran and Cathleen;
his brother John (Connie) Cannon, their daughter Catherine and their
granddaughter Cooper; and his sister Joan (Richard) Cassin and their
family; and the family of his late, older sister, Jane Cannon Smith.
Niel will be remembered for his outreach to others, as well as the
funny and often embellished stories he loved to share. He had a
natural ability to inspire people and ignite hope. He was loving, kind
and always trying to teach his grandchildren how to be good Democrats.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Niel’s
life on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 2:30 PM at the Concord Country
Club in Concord, NH 03301.
Donations can be made to Steve’s Place Recovery Club P.O. Box 446,
Concord, NH 03302.