John J. Canty, 80, of 1182 Main Street, died Sunday, Nov. 26, in his home, after an illness.

A loving father, husband and grandfather, he leaves his wife of 50 years, Jean F. (Clapp) Canty; four sons, Michael G. Canty of Charlton, Kevin J. Canty of Hadley, Joseph J. Canty and Patrick J. Canty both of Leicester; two daughters, Diane E. Canty-Colby of Leicester and Eileen A. "Wink" Mondino of Thompson, CT; a sister, Kathleen Barrera of East Hartford, CT; 15 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Canty was born in New York, NY, son of Michael and Anna (Callahan) Canty. He worked for 38 years at the United States Postal Service, starting on the Railroad until that became obsolete, then became a clerk and finally retiring in 1982, from the maintenance postal equipment department in Worcester. He was a member of St Pius X Church, the Disabled American Veterans, the National Association of Retired Federal Employee's and the Tin Can Sailors. He belonged to the Y.M.C.A. for many years where he was an avid swimmer. He enjoyed reading, baseball, fishing and studying his Irish heritage and traveled to Ireland several times. He served in the United States Navy during WWII and Korea, as an Electricians Mate. He received the Purple Heart while serving aboard the U.S.S. Storms in the battle of Okinawa, during a kamikaze attack, in which 23 of his shipmates perished.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11:00 AM in St Pius X Church, 1153 Main Street, Leicester. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude's Children's Fund, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9929. MORRISON-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main Street, Leicester is directing arrangements.