Jon Francis Canty

Jon Francis Canty, age 75 of Warren, died Friday, April 30, 2021 at home under the watchful care of his family and the folks from Residential Hospice. He was born October 2, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio, son of the late James and the late Catherine (nee: Hobe) Canty.

With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Jon for his service to our country as a soldier in our great U. S. Army during the Vietnam war era. Ultimately attaining the rank of Private First Class (Pfc), Jon served with honor and pride for America. For the sacrifices made and his willingness to stand in harm’s way for the sake of freedom, we extend our posthumous gratitude to Jon for wearing the uniform and for bravely stepping up to the plate alongside his brothers-in-arms. May we forever remember those who have done their part for upholding the principles “for which we stand.”

As for his career path, Jon made a decision early on in life that he was bound and determined to “Be the Man” instead of having to “work for the man,”…so he put his best foot forward, utilizing his strengths and talents, and ventured down the path of self-employment. Known for being good with his hands and possessing a strong work ethos, Jon enjoyed a host of successes and achieved many heights without having to be under the thumb of someone else. Jon worked long and hard to provide for his family, and managed to eke out quite a nice living while also being fulfilled through the resolve of a job well done.

Yet for as hard as he worked, Jon also knew the importance of infusing a little balance in life as well. There were a number of pastimes and hobbies that often filled his hours away from work, one of them being his love for boating,…especially when he was navigating the waters around Harson’s Island. Though he found great enjoyment on any waterway he traveled, there was just something about the vicinity of Harson’s Island that drew his attention and attraction. Another of his favorites was definitely the game of golf. Nothing spells “fun” quite like spending a beautiful sunny day out on the links with a friend, chasing after that elusive Hole-in-One. But Jon knew,…whether he was swinging good or swinging bad, the worst day golfing is still better than the best day working. In his younger days, Jon held many wonderful memories of when his sporting pleasures included playing a bit of Pickle Ball, too.

Also in his earlier years, Jon was a regular Fred Astaire on the dance floor. Growing up in a time when ballrooms and dance halls offered some of the best social entertainment around, Jon was known for having a style all his own and was also quite adept through his smooth moves and dance steps. Of course, there was no better or more preferred dancing than that shared with his partner & bride, Nadine. Together, the two lovebirds glided across the floor with such ease and grace,…they were truly a sight for the eyes of the romantic. And after all that smooth dancing, nothing quenched Jon’s thirst more than a smooth glass of Scotch. A man with an acquired taste, for sure,…a nice Scotch was like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s day.

And speaking of winter,…this Michigander reached a point, in his later years, where having to deal with all the wintry challenges of the Mitten paled in comparison to enjoying the sunny delights of Florida in his role as a Snowbird. That’s right,…flocking south for the winter was more than just for the birds, it was a little slice of Heaven for Jon & Nadine. And of course, there was nowhere better to flock than to the sunny shores of Naples,…their home away from home.

But in sharing this mini-bio of Jon’s life, it would be terribly remiss if not for mentioning his esteemed and avid support of everything “Ohio State” related. Born in Toledo, Ohio, Jon’s veins oozed Red & White,…and when it came to college football, he was truly a “Buckeye” through & through. Forget all of that Maize & Blue nonsense,…it was all about those Buckeye’s, Baby!

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Jon enjoyed a long and happy life that was made all-the-richer through the hearts and souls of those most precious to him,…his beloved family. Between them and his coveted friends, Jon’s life was immersed in love and his quiver was truly full. He leaves a legacy of love that is sure to live on in the hearts and memories of all who were blessed to know him, a love that is sure to quicken a smile with each reflection shared. Jon touched countless hearts in his journey this side of Heaven, may he now enjoy the blessings on the other side as he rests safely in the arms of God.  

Jon was the beloved husband of Nadine, and dear father of Jon (Kathleen) Canty, Heather VanderPol, Dawn (Mark) Hall, and April (Mike) Triplett. He was also the loving grandfather of Casey, Maggie, Grace, Kyle, Julia, Rachael, Will, Jack, Ella, Tristyn, and Megan.

Memorial donations, in Jon’s name, are welcomed to the Humane Society of Michigan, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 (www.michiganhumane.org) or the ASPCA @ www.aspca.org  

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of Jon at his guest book below.