George McCann

McCann, George M., 92, passed away on August 4, 2015 at Oakwood Village. He was born on January 13, 1923 in Springfield, the son of George W. and Anastasia (Murray) McCann. He lived with the love of his life, Frieda Ray McCann, for 67 years at their home in Southwest Springfield. George and Frieda met while both were students at The Ohio State University and were married in Columbus in 1944. He was a lifelong member of St. Raphael Church and graduated from Catholic Central High School in the Class of 1940. George was a Veteran of World War II having served as an Artillery Officer in Northwest Europe with the 84th Infantry Division in the winter and spring of 1945. This service entitled him to wear three battle stars. Following the conclusion of hostilities he commanded a platoon of horse mounted soldiers in the Army of Occupation in Germany, making him one of the very last of the United States Army's horse mounted soldiers. He received his Pharmacy Degree from OSU in 1947 and returned to Springfield to succeed his father and mother as President of Fireoved & McCann Pharmacy where he served patients faithfully for the next 40 years. His love of history prompted him to seek and win a Master's Degree in history from Wright State University in 1977. His collection of presidential campaign buttons was well known and his recollections of twentieth century presidential campaigns were of interest to a wide audience. George was one of the founders of the Clark County Pharmaceutical Association and served as its third president. He was a Life Member of The Ohio State University Alumni Association and served as a member of it National Board of Directors from 1974 to 1979. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield for over 50 years and was designated as a Legend of Kiwanis. One of the first to be so honored. George loved to bicycle and never ceased to enjoy riding on the wonderful trails in and around Clark County and in Northern and Central Europe. He was an active volunteer in a whole host of community organizations and enterprises throughout his life. In every activity over the years his goal was always the same, to do all that he could to make Springfield and Clark County the best possible place to live, work and raise a family. His survivors include his four children who were a source of great pride and joy throughout his life: Christy A. Tidwell of Zionsville, Indiana, George R. (Diana) McCann of Columbus, Ohio, Pamela L. (Ernst) von Rahl of Mishawaka, Indiana and Lorrie A. (Alfred) Twainy of Las Vegas, Nevada; cherished grandchildren, Nicole Scherrer, Shannon Rand, Zakie Twainy, Jean Paul von Rahl, Samia Twainy and Anastasia von Rahl; and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Frieda; and a brother, Jerome McCann. Friends may call in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Raphael Church. Interment will be held in Ferncliff Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Springfield Foundation.