John F. McCann Jr.

BROWNVILLE JUNCTION – John F. McCann Jr, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 3, 2021 at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta. He was born in Bucksport on August 2, 1942, the son of John F. McCann Sr and Anita L. (Nichols) McCann. John was raised in Brownville Junction by his paternal grandmother “Nana” who ran a boarding home for the local railroad workers. In his younger years he loved to fish, helping his Nana provide meals for the tenants. He attended school in Brownville and Waterville before joining the air force in 1959 at age 17. He was stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor and Anderson Air Force Base on the Pacific Island of Guam. After his discharge in 1963, John returned to Waterville to be closer to family. He was a truck driver for Rite Equipment before beginning his 35 year career at Keyes Fibre Company (Huhtamaki) until his retirement in 2002. In his later years, John loved to travel and go camping. His many road trips with his camper included Alaska, Calgary, Newfoundland, and exploring the North Maine Woods. When he wasn’t on a long trip, he enjoyed going up to KI or spending time cheering on his son and grandson at the Motocross Track. He also enjoyed being a volunteer for several years for Trek Across Maine. John was predeceased by his sisters Patricia Keller and Dawn Goodine. He was also predeceased by his former wife, Nellie (Vieta) McCann. Surviving are his son John F. McCann III (Maureen) of Oakland; his sister Fayelene Duguay (Larry) of Winslow; stepdaughter Valerie Bickford (Gary) of Hudson, Fla.; stepson Kevin Gero of Waterville; and long-time companion Nancy Legoff of Smithfield. He also leaves behind his beloved dog and best friend Buddie. He leaves three grandchildren, Shea F. McCann of Oakland, Nicole O’Hare of Fort Myers, Fla., Chris Bickford of Oakland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Alzheimer’s Care Center, Gardiner, and Maine General Medical Center (Waterville and Augusta) for the wonderful care provided to John. John was a Past Commander of the Fairfield American Legion. He was also a member of the Waterville Elks Club where there will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, June 5, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion located at 76 Industrial Street.


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