Walter Mccanna

Walter Frank McCanna of Pittsford, New York passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024. He was 88 years old.

Walter was a man of many passions, including history, bird watching, hunting, hiking, fishing, and most importantly,

spending cherished moments with his family. He was also an accomplished competitive trap shooter, having scored a

perfect 50 out of 50 on numerous occasions.

Walter was born on December 31,1935 in Niagara, Wisconsin to Arlene and Walter (Mac) McCanna, who called him

Buster. He grew up in Neenah, Wisconsin where he was doted upon by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Walter's early education took place in Menasha, Wisconsin at St. Patrick's School (K-8) and St. Mary’s Catholic High

School, where he met his wife, Mary DuChateau. The two were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton,

Wisconsin on January 19, 1957, beginning a lifelong partnership of 68 years.

Walter attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh before completing his bachelor's degree in sociology at

Marquette University. He began his professional career as an English and Latin high school teacher in Kimberly,

Wisconsin. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Minnesota, where he earned his master’s degree in

education. He then transitioned into the business world, selling some of the earliest computers—referred to as

“business machines”—for the Burroughs Corporation.

While working and raising seven children in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Walter returned to academia, obtaining a

Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This marked the beginning of a

distinguished career in higher education and public service. He served as Vice Provost at Marquette University and

later as the Budget Director for Governor Lucey of Wisconsin. In 1975, he took on the role of Executive Vice

President of the University of Detroit, during which time he was awarded the 1978 Saint John XXIII Award for

Distinguished Service from Viterbo University. This prestigious award reflected his commitment to education,

leadership, and service to others. Walter concluded his remarkable career as the Dean of the Business School and

professor of business ethics at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he served with distinction for 16

years.

Walter was also an avid traveler, exploring the world and broadening his horizons. His journeys took him to China,

India, Africa, Russia, and Europe. One of his most impactful experiences was teaching business in Prague after the

fall of communism and the Iron Curtain. In the early 1990s, he helped students navigate the new economic realities of

a post-communist world, sharing his expertise during a pivotal time in European history.

Walter had a few simple pleasures. Ice cream was his favorite food, and he never turned down a chance to enjoy a

“small bowl” of it. He also loved to make home-popped popcorn, often pairing it with a can of his favorite beer. He was

a devoted Green Bay Packers fan since childhood, cheering on his beloved team through every season. Walter

attended numerous games at Lambeau Field, where he created cherished memories with family and friends, always

supporting his team no matter the weather or the score.

A devout Catholic, Walter relied on his Christian faith as a guiding force throughout his life. He passed these beliefs

and values down to his children and grandchildren, instilling in them the importance of faith, family, and integrity. He

is survived by his sister, Kathie (Paul) and his beloved children: Mike (Pat), Frank (Anju), Tom, Pete (Bea), Mary Ann

(Tom), Jack (Margaret), and David, as well as 13 grandchildren. Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, who

passed away in April 2024.

A funeral Mass will take place at 1:00 pm on Monday, August 19, 2024 at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church in

Park Ridge, Illinois. Walter will be buried with his wife, Mary, at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, NY. In lieu

of flowers, the family requests donations be made for refugee resettlement to Saint’s Place (saintsplace.org), 46

South Main Street, Pittsford, NY 14534.

Walter “Buster” McCanna will be remembered as a curious outdoorsman, loving husband, devoted father, fun

grandfather, accomplished scholar, mentor, organization leader, and a man of profound integrity and kindness