ROCHESTER - Mervale "Sonny" Canney, Jr., 82, died on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, at the Colonial Hill Nursing Home in Rochester, following a period of failing health. Born July 30, 1934, in Rochester he was the son of the late Mervale and Marjorie (Blaisdell) Canney, Sr.
Mr. Canney had worked for the City of Rochester for many years running the city dog pound.
Sonny enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and horses.
Members of his family include his children Dennis Peters of Rochester, N.H.; Ronald Canney of Newmarket, N.H.; Lawrence Canney of Farmington, N.H.; Robert Canney of Pa.; Jerry Canney of Alton, N.H.; Sandy Woods of Lebanon, Maine; Susan Hobson of Bennington, N.H.; Brenda Watts of Milton, N.H.; and Tammy Canney of Rochester, N.H.; 27 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, one brother Ernest Canney, Sr., of Fla; and Marilyn McDougal of Farmington, N.H.; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Shiela in 2009, his daughter Michelle Skaltsis in 2004, and his grandson Ryan Canney in 2013.