Emerson March Cannon, Jr. Obituary
Emerson March Cannon, Jr. of Exton, PA passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2026 with loving family surrounding him. He was the husband of Miss Margaret (Margaret Wullert Cannon) with whom he shared 33 wonderful years of marriage. He was the father of Sarah Elizabeth Cannon, the father-in-law of Chad Tulloch, and the grandfather of Emerson Owen Tulloch. Emerson was also the brother of Nancy Cannon Ingram and the brother-in-law of Gary Ingram.
Emerson was born in Philadelphia on January 10, 1948 and grew up in Haverford, PA. He was the son of the late Emerson March Cannon, Sr. and the late Gertrude Bartlett Cannon.
Emerson was a 1965 graduate of Haverford High School and a 1970 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in secondary education mathematics. He later earned a graduate degree in education from West Chester University.
Before retiring in 2006, Emerson spent 35 years teaching 8th grade math at Valley Forge Middle School in the Tredyffrin Easttown School District. In addition to teaching, he also coached track, girls basketball, weight football, soccer, and facilitated many programs and field trips throughout his educational career. During his years of teaching and coaching, Emerson brought lots of enthusiasm, humor, and energy to the entire school community for students and colleagues alike.
From an early age, Emerson’s love was truly in being active! He loved the outdoors and above all else, fly fishing! This appreciation for the sport of fly fishing took him on countless adventures over the years to places like Maine, the Outer Banks, Harkers Island, Baja, Alaska, Guatemala, Brazil, and Montana, to name a few. But no matter where he traveled his passion for fly fishing always came back to the trout streams in Pennsylvania where it all began. For many years, he also shared this love of fly fishing through the Dame Julianna League, a local fly fishing organization where he proudly served as both a member and the president.
While he was not fishing, Emerson also enjoyed going to the movies, traveling, sight seeing, bike riding, reading, watching the Phillies, watching Penn State football and wrestling, and spending time with family…but those who knew him best would say one of his most favorite past times was “stirring the pot”…all in good fun of course. He also loved to LAUGH…and making others laugh was one of his all-time specialties. One might say that his infectious laugh was just PURRRRRRRRFECT!
During his 20 years of retirement, Emerson spent his time making memories, sharing laughs, and bringing smiles to the people he loved most. More often than not, you HEARD Emerson before you saw him, and those who knew him best can still remember belly laughs that came with his stories, anecdotes, and just plain Emerson-isms. Just the way he said the words RI-DIC-ULOUS or AYE-YI-YI!!!
Emerson also enjoyed spending time with his dogs over the years, those who were currently at his side, Takoda and Maverick, and those who have since passed, Rex, Atticus, and Starbucks.
Emerson was also a special bother-in-law to many: Janet and John Sikina, Marie and Ralph Hoffman, John and Betsy Wullert, Joanne and Carl Visscher, and Mark and Lisa Wullert. He was also an uncle to many special nieces and nephews; Leigh and Kevin O'Brien, Krista and Brent Johnson, John and Bobbi Ingram, John and Mary Sikina, Jeff and Colleen Sikina, Matthew and Jasmine Hoffman, Gerald Hoffman, Katherine Wullert and Brian Burke, Carl Visscher IV, Luke Wullert, Mark T. Wullert, and Jake Wullert. Emerson is also survived by several special cousins and many great nieces and nephews.
Emerson’s teaching career and his fly fishing adventures brought him so many lifelong friendships over the years, and he leaves behind countless treasured friends and colleagues who will miss him dearly.
Those who knew Emerson will remember how he brought laughter, energy, and joy wherever he went. May we all remember him with full hearts, funny stories, and a “skillion” treasured memories, while carrying forward his enthusiasm for life all in his honor.
All are welcome to pay respects to the family in joining us at The Farmhouse at People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road Malvern, PA 19355) on Wednesday May 27, 2026 from 5:00-8:00pm in “Remembering Emerson”. Please dress casual and comfortable just like Emerson would, no suits allowed.
If you would like to share a “Remembering Emerson” story, nice memory, or photo, we would love that. Please email it to RexCannon@comcast.net.
(Or post something on this, the HHS65, site)