Gary Canner: Massapequa Phys-Ed teacher and coach

Gary Canner Longtime Massapequa teacher and coach Gary C. Canner died August 25, 2008. He was 66 years old and dedicated himself to helping the youth of Massapequa. Born in Freeport, he spent most of his life in Massapequa and was a retired Physical Education teacher of the Massapequa School District. From 1965 to 1996, he taught gym class at Berner High School and McKenna Junior High School.

For more than 20 years, he coached football and wrestling and, for a season or two, lacrosse.

"Mr. Canner was my gym teacher at McKenna and he coached my husband on football at Berner," said one of his former students, Jennifer Duffy of Virginia Beach, Virginia. "We all loved him. He touched the lives of lots of us throughout his career as a teacher and a coach."

After his retirement he worked part time at the Town of Oyster Bay's Golf Course in Syosset, and was the Town's Bay Constable for a time. According to his family, he was an avid golfer, boater and fisherman.

Mr. Canner leaves behind his wife, Peggy; his children: Michael and his wife Michelle of Massapequa Park and Jill Sburlati and her husband Hector of Garrison, New York. His grandchildren: Sophia, Mason and Madison; and his sister: Gayle Wertz, also survive him.

He reposed at the Massapequa Funeral Home, Massapequa Park, August 27 and 28, 2008. A Religious Service was held August 29, 2008 at the funeral home, followed by burial services, which were private.