Steven D. Cannell

RUTLAND – Steven D. Cannell, loving husband, father, brother and friend to many, passed away at UMass Memorial Healthcare - University Campus in Worcester on Friday, February 5, 2021, after a brief, yet well-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

Born in Worcester, the son of the late Philip M. and Vivian M. (Hellgren) Cannell, Steven grew up in Holden where he graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1971 and completed two years at Worcester Junior College.

In 1980, his life completely changed while on a blind date at the former Rustic Lounge in Holden. It was there where he met his soul mate, Donna M. Lapati. The two were a perfect match.

Steven worked for the Holden Department of Public Works Water Division for 24 years and later worked for the Town of Rutland as their Water Treatment Plant Operator for 18 years. After he retired in 2015, never one to sit idle, he went back to work part-time during his retirement years to keep the plant running smoothly.

His two daughters meant everything to him. The family will never forget the memories shared on their many trips to Disney World and Ogunquit, ME. Steven was very hands-on and enjoyed completing projects around the house and in the yard. His gardening and landscaping skills were second to none.

He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Rufus Putnam Lodge of Masons in Rutland, the Scottish Rite Bodies of Worcester, a member of the Aleppo Temple Shrine in Wilmington, and was active on the Prudential Committee at the First Congregational Church of Rutland.

He leaves his beloved wife of almost 39 years, Donna M. (Lapati) Cannell; two daughters, Erin M. Cannell and Bridgette L. Cannell, both of Rutland; a brother, Philip J. Cannell of Rutland; and a niece, Elizabeth Cannell and her husband, Matt Lagueux.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Steven’s family from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 10, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. At 6:30 pm, the Rufus Putnam Lodge of Masons will be gathering for a service at the funeral home during visiting hours. A funeral service will be held the following day at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 11 at the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main St., Rutland. Social distancing and face masks are required at both gatherings. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made online to Why Me & Sherry’s House at https://whyme.org/get-involved/donate/ . Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, Greater Worcester Funeral Care.

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