David Cann Obituary

David E. Cann

Sep 20, 2024

Port Orange

David Edward Cann, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024, surrounded by family near his home in Port Orange, Florida.

Dave was born in Sandusky, Dec. 16, 1946, to Joyce (Heyman) and Rolland Cann. Growing up, Dave excelled at playing sports like baseball and golf. After graduating from Sandusky St. Mary's High School, Dave began taking courses at Bowling Green State University with the intention of becoming a history teacher. However instead of completing his education, Dave joined the United States Air Force.

His military service led him to Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia where he met his future wife Patricia O'Hara. Dave served in Vietnam, supporting C-130 aircraft for both troop and payload missions.

After returning from Vietnam, Dave remained in the Air Force Reserves for another 26 years achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. While in the Air Force, Dave served as an aircraft mechanic, maintenance specialist, flight engineer, and operations intelligence analyst. After working as a commercial airline mechanic and flight engineer, Dave worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 22 years, retiring in 2018 as an Executive in the Flight Standards Division. Post FAA retirement, Dave founded DC Aviation Consulting (2008-2018) and also worked as Vice President - Safety, Quality, and Regulatory Compliance for AAR Corporation.

Dave also served his community as a volunteer with Port Orange Police Department, as an Advisory Board Member for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as an aircraft restorer at Valiant Air Command Warbird Air Museum (Titusville), and was also a devout member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Port Orange, Florida.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Patricia; daughter, Sheri (Michael); sons, Michael (Carrie) and Christopher (Michelle); grandchildren Caitlin, Courtney, Olivia "Gracie," Paige, Dominic, and Calen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 3033 Wilson Blvd, Ste 300, Arlington, VA 22201 or donate online in honor of David Edward Cann via https://www.vvmf.org/give-to-vvmf/.