Robert Cann Obituary

Cann, Robert George "Bobby" 26, of Chicago, died Wednesday, May 29. Bobby was born January 21, 1987, in Concord, NH, the son of David N. and Maria B. (Santini) Cann. He graduated in 2005 from John Stark Regional High School, where he played lacrosse, ran cross country and indoor track, and participated in clubs and theater. Bobby graduated summa cum laude from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in English/Journalism. At UNH, Bobby made lifelong friends, indulged his love of politics, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He spent one semester studying in Beijing, and another semester as a reporting intern for the Gloucester Daily Times. After college, Bobby moved to Chicago. He worked initially for REI, fueling his passion for all things outdoors. Bobby, who once trekked through Philmont as a Boy Scout, loved hiking and camping. At REI he became an avid and passionate cyclist. In 2010, he took three weeks off from work to ride his bicycle back to Chicago after returning to New Hampshire for his brother's high school graduation. Bobby joined Groupon as a staff writer in 2010. He became an Editorial Tools Specialist after learning to write computer code so he could help build internal technology tools for his department. Bobby was excited about the work he was doing at Groupon and was thrilled to be named Employee of the Month earlier this year. Bobby, who rode his bicycle year round, died last Wednesday after he was struck by a car on North Clybourn Ave. while cycling home from work. Survivors include his mother; siblings Mary Cann and Matthew Cann of Henniker, NH, Jeffrey Cann of Boston, Molly and Tanner Rinke of Los Angeles; grandparents, John and Debbie Santini of Newland, NC, and Ruth Cann of Annapolis, MD; aunts and uncles, Lucia and Bruce Field of Wrentham, MA, Robin and John Santini Jr., of Wakefield, RI, Deborah Westcott of Annapolis, MD; cousins, Sam and Bianca Field of Wrentham, MA, John and Julia Santini, and Shaina Burrows of Wakefield, RI. He was predeceased by his father; his maternal grandmother, Beverly Santini, and his paternal grandfather, Norton Cann. In addition, Bobby leaves behind countless remarkable, compassionate, articulate, friends, co-workers and extended family. Bobby was an active member of the Chicago cycling community, participating in Ride of Silence and monthly Critical Mass rides. Active Transportation Alliance, in cooperation with Groupon, has established a memorial fund in Bobby's honor to advocate for safer streets. See groupon.com/bobby for more information. The family will receive friends Friday, June 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Michalik Funeral Home, 1056 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642. (312) 421-0936. Sign guestbook at www.michalikfuneralhome.com A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life, led by Rev. Alan Taylor of Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Rooftop Terrace in Millennium Park. A second Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at Pat's Peak in Henniker, NH, at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 23.