GLOUCESTER: Manuel F. Canillas, 81, died unexpectedly Friday, January 2, 2009 in the Addison Gilbert Hospital. He was the husband of Marianne (Fidika) Canillas.
Born in Rockport on May 11, 1927, he was the son of the late Francisco and Concepción (DeLaFlor DeCruz) Canillas. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served as a firefighter before being honorably discharged on November 15, 1945.
Mr. Canillas was employed at the Matheson Gas Company in Gloucester for many years before retiring in 1992. He had also once worked as a fish cutter of the Gloucester waterfront for many years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Anita and her husband, Donald Armell of Salem and Rhonda Canillas of Portsmouth, NH, two granddaughters, Shila and her husband, Todd Duffy of Wrentham and Darci and her husband, Sam Militello of Sandown, NH, seven great-grandchildren, Tate, Shea and Flynn Duffy and Benjamin, Riley, Julian and Sophia Militello, two sisters, his twin, Constance Therrian of Gloucester and Dolores Bellimer of New York, a brother, Ralph Canillas of Gloucester and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by four sisters, Josephine Driver, Theresa Shaw, Helen Nelson and Marion Ruth Mooney and four brothers, Frank, John, Anthony and James Canillas.
His funeral services will be privately held at the convenience of the family. There are no visiting hours. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 408, Salem, MA 01970. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ptl. Scott B. Duffany and the EMT’s of Gloucester. Arrangements are under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester.