Concord, NH – Edward J. McCann, age 96, of Concord died on January 7, 2026 after a short period of declining health.
Ed was born in Concord to the late Ann and Edward P. McCann on March 30, 1929. Ed says it was Holy Saturday. He attended St. Peter’s Elementary School and graduated from St. John’s High School in 1948. Ed was an altar boy for years at St. Peter’s Church in Concord. He attended the University of New Hampshire, serving in the ROTC program and graduating in 1952 with a degree in business. He served in the Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas as a 2nd lieutenant assigned to anti-aircraft artillery. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and joined the Army Reserves.
He met his wife Joan on a blind date while she was doing a nursing rotation at the New Hampshire State Hospital. They married in August of 1955 and together, had 4 children. Ed loved to ski, and his children remember how white his fingers would get as he struggled tightly lace up everyone’s ski boots. Once his children skied past him, he hung up his skis. He also loved to swim in the ocean, spending many Sunday afternoons with family at the beach.
Ed spent over 30 years in state government, first as the Director of the Racing and Parimutuel Commission and later employed in human resources, the Division of Personnel as the Chief of Classification. Following his retirement, Ed was most proud of the years and years he volunteered for NH SEA Operation Santa Claus, making sure that children across the state receive gifts at Christmas.
He was predeceased by his wife Joan as well as sons Edward, who passed away in 1960 and Steven, who passed away in 2000. Ed is survived by his son, Mark McCann and daughter, Maura McCann both of Concord, a grandson, Connor Jennings (Laura Radlinski) of Manchester, his sister Nan and her husband Edward McDermott of Hampton, his sister-in-law Carol McCann of Concord and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord for the care they provided Ed this past year. The staff on the second floor, Melody Lane, were wonderful to Ed, always making sure he had his coffee ice cream at every meal and a Pepsi by his side. Although too many to list by name, you all know who you are. A very special thank you to his dining room tablemate at Havenwood, Renata Carels, for her most valued friendship. And many thanks to those who live at the Royal Gardens Apartments across the street from Havenwood who would always give Ed a wave and say hello to him as we walked along Christian Avenue when the weather was nice.
Visiting hours will not be held. A private Funeral Mass has been celebrated at Christ the King Parish, St. John’s Church in Concord. Burial will follow at the Blossom Hill Cemetery.
The Waters Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. If you would like, donations may be made in Ed’s name to the Christ the King Food Pantry, 67 South State Street, Concord, NH 03301.
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