Obituaries

In Memoriam: Longtime Monmouth Beach Resident, Artist, Gail Gannon

Longtime Monmouth Beach resident and artist, Gail Gertrude Hilbert Gannon passed away quietly on Friday Feb. 24.

Gail lived in Monmouth Beach in a home that she and John built and raised their family of four.

Gail Gannon
Photo/family via Thompson Memorial Home

“Gail is probably best known for her artist talents, recreating many local vintage historical scenes on canvas. Inspired by friends and the teachings of Ida Libby Dengrove, an Emmy-winning courtroom illustrator for NBC News, Gail began her oil paintings of borough scenes in the 1960s and continued up well into her last years.

“To some, Gail was referred to as Monmouth Beach “artist-in-residence” for her much admired historic paintings chronicling old-time Monmouth Beach. Gail’s art work has been displayed at the Cultural Center in Monmouth Beach, libraries and other community buildings. She was involved in local groups including the Sandpipers Club, The IBEW Pioneers and The Family & Children Services. Gail was active in the preservation of The Coast Guard Station (Cultural Center). She also enjoyed charitable work collecting clothing and books for veterans among other good deeds. Gail loved her time with her family and making the most delicious blueberry pie sought out by family and friends.

She was predeceased by: her husband of 47 years, John Joseph Gannon Jr.; and her brothers, John and Ronald Hilbert.

She is survived by: her four children, John Joseph Gannon III (wife, Patricia), Trudy Gannon (husband, Karl), Patricia Gannon (husband, John), Ron Gannon (wife, Stacy); and six grandchildren, Lauren, Bryan, Matthew, Kaleigh, Minna and Christopher.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Mass of christian burial will be held on Monday, March 6, at 10 a.m. at Church of the Precious Blood, 72 Riverdale Ave, Monmouth Beach. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, 128 Ocean Ave N, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home