George Patrick "Pat" Canan

George Patrick “Pat” Canan, 91, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his family at Grand Strand Hospital.

Born on April 24, 1934, in Madison, Wisconsin, Pat was the son of George McClelland “Mack” Canan and Thelma Mary Crowley Canan. A lifelong learner, he earned his undergraduate degree from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and went on to complete advanced graduate studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he received dual Master’s degrees.

On June 24, 1961, Pat married Loretta Ann Prestandrea, beginning a devoted partnership that remained central to his life. His career reflected his passion for education and service. He began as a teacher at Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross where he met Loretta. Later, he taught at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. He then served as Deputy Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Washington, and concluded his professional life as a lobbyist for the United States Catholic Conference in Washington, D.C.

Pat’s Catholic faith was the foundation of his life. He served in leadership roles with the Knights of Columbus and Teams of Our Lady, was actively involved at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and generously gave his time as a volunteer at the Cape Henlopen Senior Center.

Above all else, Pat cherished his family. He was a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren and a loving great-grandfather to five, each of whom brought him immense joy. He delighted in time spent together—traveling, golfing, sharing stories, debating history and politics, and enjoying good food. Known for his kindness, humor, and generous spirit, Pat had a rare ability to make others feel valued and heard. His wedding ring, engraved with the words “God loves you. I do,” perfectly captures the love that defined his life.

Pat was preceded in death by his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Loretta. Pat is survived by his three children: Dr. Patrick J. Canan (Dr. Mary Beth Grotz) of Annapolis, Maryland; Scott A. Canan (Giuliana Muzzatti) of Charleston, South Carolina; and Christine M. Ver Straate (Tom Ver Straate) of Lone Tree, Colorado. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren; Mackinley, Riley, Cecilia, Natalie, Luke, Thomas, Vivienne, Allison, Andrew, Matthew, and William; and five great-grandchildren: Axton, Akaiya, Dustin, Walker, and Ozzie Lou.

He is also survived by his siblings, Michael Canan, Thomas Lathrop, John Lathrop, and Mary Jo Lathrop, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

May Pat now rest in God’s eternal embrace, reunited with loved ones and rewarded for a life of faith, service, and love.

*In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Pat Canan to Tunnel of Towers Foundation (t2t.org) and the Green Beret Foundation (greenberetfoundation.org).

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