George Joseph Cannady

George Joseph Cannady (February 15, 1943- October 12, 2025)

Educator, Loving Husband, Proud Father, Cherished Grandfather (Pops) and Loyal Brother.

George Joseph Cannady died on October 12, 2025, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.

George was born on February 15, 1943, in Los Angeles, California to George Joseph Cannady Sr. and Evelyn Marie (Kane) Cannady. Along with his sister, Virginia (Ginger Boykin), George spent his youth in Los Angeles and Palos Verdes Estates, California. He attended Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, where he also began his teaching career.

After working at Los Angeles Harbor with his dad during the summers, George graduated from Santa Clara University, where he played freshman baseball, with a degree in history. George later earned a Master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University.

After graduating from Santa Clara, and teaching five years at Bishop Montgomery High School, George found a home at Torrance High School. He began teaching history, coaching baseball and basketball there in 1970. While George worked in the Torrance Unified School District for over 30 years in a variety of positions across a number of schools, he especially loved working at Torrance High School. His most fulfilling years professionally were as a principal there. George retired as the principal at North Torrance High School in 2001 after 33 years with the district. His dedication to the students, their families and the faculty across these schools was demonstrated with numerous letters of thanks and support. In his mementos were letters from former students and colleagues thanking him for his support, letters of recommendation, and advising him of their upcoming college graduations.

While teaching at Bishop Montgomery, George was introduced to the love of his life, Janice (Dabbs) Cannady by his friend, and future brother-in-law. They married on June 17, 1972. Their 53 years of marriage was inspiring. George and Janice enjoyed beach parties, dinner at the Elk’s on Fridays, deciding where to travel next, and attending their children's and grandchildren’s events.

George and Janice had three children: Jennifer (Jennie), Laurie, and Matthew (Mac). One of George’s greatest joys was spending time with his family, making memories. There were annual camping trips to Yosemite, endless trips to Big 5, and entertaining summer vacations sightseeing around the country. He was an enthusiastic fisherman, taking yearly trips to wherever the fish were biting, be it lakes, rivers, or the open ocean. He enjoyed taking his children to Laker, UCLA or Dodger games as kids, a tradition that his kids loved and continued to do as adults with their dad. He also enjoyed working with wood, and his redwood burl tables are beautiful and greatly admired. George coached his kids’ soccer, basketball and softball teams. Some of George’s proudest moments were watching Mac row for Santa Clara, seeing Jennie graduate from law school, and visiting Laurie while she was in the Peace Corps.

After retirement, George channeled his passion for his job to other activities. He was active in the South Bay Athletic Club, and relished his role writing thank you letters to the speakers. He took up golf and enjoyed a regular tee time with friends. George was also active in the Catholic Church, delivering food to people as part of the church’s outreach program and gathering and sorting donations from members of the congregation. He expanded his travel boundaries exploring the world with Janice. George remained an avid UCLA football fan and a 40 + year season ticket holder, and occasionally traveled to away games to support the team.

George is survived by his wife Janice; his sister Ginger; his children Jennie, Laurie (Andrew), and Mac (Ashlee); and his grandchildren Everly, Ethan and Carter. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Evelyn, who are waiting for him with open arms in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to San Pedro-South Bay Assistance League or Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Church, 1292 W. Santa Cruz Street, San Pedro, CA 90732. Arrangements entrusted to Green Hills Mortuary.