Obituary of Harry J. Cangany Sr.

Harry J. Cangany Sr. left us on September 14, 2018, for his next adventure. He was born on August 3, 1921, as the third and last child of William Patrick and Mabel Elizabeth (Howard) Cangany. He was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis except for his time of service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He had the privilege to be in D-Day and later in the Philippines, where on days off, he played with the Navy's baseball team during U.S.O. games with visiting professional players. Harry attended the former Assumption grade school and graduated from Washington High School, playing and lettering in football and baseball. He was called "the Joe DiMaggio of Washington High". After the war, he returned to Indianapolis and married the love of his life, the late Patricia (Troy) Cangany and they were married for over 52 years. They had two children, Harry Jr. (Lyn) and Chrisanne Pollett (Dan).  

Harry was a natural salesman, able to make friends his whole life. He worked for Snow Crop Frozen Foods, Sanborn Electric, SEBCO, F.C. Tucker and Paul Hardin Real Estate before retiring in the mid 90s. Harry was always a sports fan and a former Colts season ticket holder. Just before World War II, he had a tryout with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and they called for a second tryout, but he had enlisted to serve. After the war, he played semi-professional baseball for U.S. Rubber and Pepsi and was the best church league player many had ever seen.

He was predeceased by his wife, parents and brothers, Bernard and Bill. He leaves behind a proud and grateful family. Besides his children, there are three grandchildren, Katie [Doug Reed], Meg, and John [Sarah Croake] and two great grandchildren, Emma Cangany Reed and Vivian V. Cangany. He leaves behind 8 nieces and 2 nephews. Harry loved his country, his family, his church, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where he was a member for over 60 years and an usher for many of them. His parish was a very important part of his life. He also loved his friends and he had many.

We would like to thank Fr. Rob of St. Joseph's and Fr. Glenn of St. Susanna's for their pastoral care. We would also like to thank his physicians, Steve Harris, Frank Green and Gregory Mazanek and their assistants for their constant support and attention to his life and health. And we would like to thank the staff at Marquette Manor and St. Vincent Hospice, who gave so much love and medical help in the last months of his life. Finally, we would like to thank his neighbors Ruth Stamper, Rick Crum, and Brent and Sandy Henderson for going above and beyond so often to help him. Harry loved them like family.

Harry had a long line of pets, most recently, his beloved Border Collie, Gabby, a loyal and true companion. In lieu of flowers, he asked that his friends might remember him with a donation to: Home for Friendless Animals P.O. Box 217 Waynetown, In 47990.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1401 S. Mickley Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46241 with visitation from 11:00 AM until time of Mass. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. The family extends sincere thanks to Stevens Mortuary for their generous support and professionalism. Please visit www.stevensmortuary.net to leave the family an online condolence or to share a special memory about Harry with his family.