Gannon tributes continue to pour in

The Gallaudet University community, and indeed, the community at large, continues to remember Jack R. Gannon, ’59 & H-’96, who passed away on March 14 at age 85. The family hosted a visitation at the Frederick Church of the Brethren on Wednesday, March 16 with well over 150 people in attendance. A celebration of Jack’s life is being planned for later this year here on campus. 

Jack, a Missouri native, worked at Gallaudet for 38 years in a variety of administrative roles. He was the first director of the Office of Alumni and Public Relations, and the first executive secretary of the Gallaudet College (later University) Alumni Association. At the time of his retirement, he was Special Assistant to the President for Advocacy. He was also a prolific author, with four extensively researched and oft-cited histories, and one intensely personal retrospective. Jack was in demand as a presenter nationally and internationally, and received many awards, including a honorary degree from Gallaudet and induction into the university’s Hall of Fame. 

In retirement, Jack and his wife of 62 years, Rosalyn Lee Gannon, ’59, owned an 18th century farmhouse and proudly managed a farm in the Frederick area. 

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Gallaudet Museum Endowed Fund supporting the work of the National Deaf Life Museum, or the Class of 1970 Jack R. Gannon, ’59, Alumni Relations Fund. There is a dedicated webpage for memorial gifts. Checks may be mailed to:

Office of Development
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002

Links to previous stories about Jack R. Gannon
March 15
March 17