Richard L. Cann ’72 *78

Richard died Oct. 6, 2019, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at his home in Hopewell Township, N.J. He was 68.

A Denver, Colo., native, Richard followed his lifelong love of music at Princeton, eventually earning a Ph.D. from that department in 1978. He played lead guitar in the rock band Chappaqua (comprised of six fellow Princetonians) that performed at numerous club functions and several Class of 1972 reunions.

Richard worked in information technology with Abacus International and founded his own company,  Black Diamond Systems. He was the IT director of the Atlantic Trading Co. from 2002 until his death. He was a member of the U.S. Chess Federation, the American Go Association, and the Recording Industry Associates of America.

Richard had a gift for teaching, whether it was a game, a musical instrument, or physics theory. He was known for his warmth, kindness, and sense of humor. On his many trips to his beloved Colorado, he enjoyed fishing, hiking, and skiing.

Richard is survived by his wife, Joanne Sheehan; daughter Caelen Cann and her husband, Kevin Callahan; stepsons Matthew and Casey Branham; daughters-in-law Laura Oliver and Toni Scott Branham; brother David C. Cann and his wife, Crisann; sister Susan C. Austin; and numerous grandchildren. The class sends condolences to his family.