Thomas P. Gannon

Portsmouth, - Thomas Gannon, of Portsmouth, died Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at home. Born in Fall River, MA on August 14, 1944, he was the son of the late Daniel E. and Grace Boardman Gannon.Tom was a journalist and freelance writer whose articles appeared in the New York Times, The Boston Globe, and Time Magazine. He was author of Newport Mansions: The Gilded Age. Newport, Rhode Island: A Guide to the City by the Sea. The Secret Gardens of Newport Rhode Islands Historic Point Secton as well as co-author of Rhode Island: An Explorers Guide. Tom was a former writer and investigative reporter for the Providence Journal and the Newport Daily News. He was the editor of the Newporter, Your Dog Magazine and Power Boat Reports. He edited, contributed and published a collection of short stories in Marrow. His business manufactured and distributed marine products. Mr. Gannon was in the process of researching and writing about military leaders from Rhode Island during the American Revoluntionary War, the status of the firefly population in New England and historic architectural concerns in Providence. He was a past member of the board of trustees of the Seamans Church Institute and Benefactors of the Arts in Newport. Tom was a member of the local chapter of Mensa and editor of its newsletter M?Ocean. He was an accomplished sailor, had a great interest in music, art and books and was a champion of homeless animals. Tom was a graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River and of the University of Rhode Island. He is survived by his friend Deborah O?Hara, his sisters Helen Pflaum of Dayton, OH, sister Caril Baker of Hampton, SC, his uncle Sam Taylor of Portsmouth, RI, several cousins, nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late Daniel E. Gannon Jr. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2003, at 11:00AM at the Seaman?s Church Institute, 18 Market Square, Newport. Donations may be made to the Habitat for Cats, P.O. Box 79571, North Dartmouth, MA 02747.