In Loving Memory
Joseph L. Kanaley
April 27, 2021

Joseph L. Kanaley, 78, of Mexico NY, formerly of Hannibal NY, died April 27, 2021 after a brief illness.

Joe was born March 13, 1943, in Fulton NY, the fourth of five sons to the late Leola (Eckler) Kanaley and Edward “Ted” Kanaley.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Regan (Kuhn) Kanaley; three daughters, Shannon (Randal) Gilliland of Volney, Allison (Bradley) Trudell of Mexico, and Elizabeth (Paul) Cousins of Liverpool; a son, Albert, of Glens Falls; 6 grandchildren, Sean (Melanie Tracy) Gilliland, Steven (Savannah) Gilliland, Sara (Darren) Givens, Cheyenne Trudell, Austin Trudell, Hannah Cousins; three step-grandchildren, Eric Trudell, Katherine Trudell, and James Trudell, all of Buffalo, and their families; two great-grandchildren, Oakley Givens and Aidan Givens; as well as his bonus daughters, Stacey (John) Whitcomb and Colleen (Todd) Seymour, both of Sterling, and their children.

He is also survived by two brothers, Thomas (Louise) Kanaley of Rochester, NY; and Daniel Kanaley of North Syracuse NY, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his two brothers, Martin Kanaley, and Donald Kanaley, and one granddaughter, Heather Kanaley.

Joe was a founding member of Sons of the American Legion Post 1552 in Hannibal, and organized many drives to benefit the Syracuse Veterans Administration and other veterans organizations. He was a longtime member and past officer of Ancient Order of Hibernians, Harold J. Flynn Division 2, of Fulton NY. He was a 1986 graduate of SUNY Oswego.

He made three trips to Ireland, sharing memories there with his wife and daughters. His passions were Irish music and culture, traveling to the Thousand Islands Region, classic cars, local and national politics, and reminding his daughters to check the oil.

Joe’s lifelong appetite for fun and adventure resulted in the loss of his right arm in a train accident at the age of 14. He chose to focus on opportunities and blessings, and continued living life boldly. He was known to many as “Joe the Hook.” He was happiest helping others and taught his children and grandchildren by example. He will be greatly missed.

Friends and family are invited to call from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Harter Funeral Home, Inc. Mexico, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse.va.gov.

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