Patrick J. Gannon, MD age 94, fortified by the sacraments of Holy Mother Church entered eternal life surrounded by family on August 26th 2025.
“PJ” was a long time resident of St. Louis MO, a native of Dunmore, Galway, Ireland. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Helen (nee Phillips), sons Sean (Marilyn), Niall (Gretchen), Liam (Annie), daughter Eileen (Robert), and sister Nora. Grandfather to Riley, Fiona, Levi, Ella, Cole and Sawyer. Great-grandfather to Theo Aiken. PJ was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, his son Patrick, his brother Marce, and sister Dett.
PJ and Helen immigrated to the US in 1967 with Sean and pregnant with Niall after PJ was appointed as staff Psychiatrist at the Missouri State Hospital on Arsenal Street. He would later be named Superintendent of the hospital. He also went on to become Professor of Psychiatry at St. Louis University and administered mental health care to many veterans at the St. Louis VA Hospital. Missing home and a piece of their Irishness, Helen and PJ were founders of St. Louis Irish Arts School of Music and Dance, Inc. Over 50 years, thousands of students would learn traditional Irish music, dance, language, and poetry. PJ and Helen’s goal of putting St. Louis on the map with a rich and authentic Irish heritage is their lasting legacy. PJ won the All-Ireland (world) championship in harmonica in 1980 and 1981. Among his highlights of his many years of teaching was when one of his own students won the prize decades later.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday August 30 at 10:00AM at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 676 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119 with visitation at 9:00 AM. Family burial will follow immediately, and a gathering to celebrate his life and Irish music session will take place at John D McGurk’s Irish Pub in Soulard, “ALL are welcome and musicians are welcome to bring their instruments”
Voluntary contributions may be made to St. Louis Irish Arts, Inc. www.slia.org
He will be greatly missed. Our whole Riley Irish community in Cincinnati has benefited greatly from the example of St Louis Irish Arts.
I only got to meet P J and hear him play a couple of times, but it was clear he loved the music and his family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam!
Dear Sir,
It is with profound sadness that we have come to learn about the passing onto the Glory of God of our beloved brother and friend of Patrick Gannon. From deep within Kenya- Africa (Kisumu)
Going by the common saying that sweetness of the fruit is on the resilience of the roots, Patrick remains a gallant warrior of Faith and integrity who woke up every single day to live and inspire through his fidelity to God , his family and the entire family.
His demise from this world though a blow to us due to our limitation of beatific bliss is a celebration among the Angels and suants in Heaven.
Condolences to Helen his beloved wife, Niall , Liam (together with their families and siblings)
We call upon the Angels of the Lord to receive his adorable soul and present it to God the most High.
Together in Solidarity and prayer from the Heart of Africa (Kenya ; Kisumu) on behalf of the many Souls touched by the Love of Niall and Liam Gannon and their families.
Dear Helen, Eileen, and the entire Gannon family, I am so sorry for your loss. PJ was a delight and his music and Irish wit a gift to all who met him. The Fogarty family and especially Orla is so grateful to have known him. Our sincere condolences.
Helen and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of PJ’s passing. What a charming and talented man! May your happy memories reign over this sorrowful time. We will miss the services as we are out of town, but will keep all in our prayers.
Barbara and Bill Bouchey
Sincere sympathy to Helen and all the family. May PJ rest in eternal peace.
Mary Whelan.
God rest you PJ, a lovely gentle man whom I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing on several occasions in Ireland and the USA. Condolences to Helen and all the family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Love and prayers to Helen, Sean, Niall, Liam, Eileen and your families at this sad time. We have fond memories of PJ in Shannon. Rest in peace PJ
As a former medical student taught by Dr PJ Gannon the principles in the medical treatment of psychiatric illnesses and whose two daughters learned the beauty and technicality of traditional Irish dances at Saint Louis Irish Arts, PJ’s zest for life, humor, and the Irish ballads from his harmonica will all be greatly missed! Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the celebration of PJ’s life as we are currently out of the country but will miss him always and have always considered him family!
Last year I flew to St Louis to stay with Robert (my youngest son) & Eileen. I had the pleasure of meeting many of the Gannon family, including PJ. One of the highlights of my visit was an evening spent with Helen, & PJ, Eileen & Robert. With Eileen playing the Harp Robert on his Fiddle & PJ on his Harmonica, we played tunes & sang songs going back over many decades. It was a joyfilled evening & I hoped we could do it again. It was not to be. May you rest in peace now PJ & the heavens resound with the music & songs you loved so much.
So sorry to hear this news. I remember PJ with fondness from our visit so many years ago, his great sense of humour and his welcoming nature made our visit so special and memorable. RIP PJ.
PJ Gannon was one of Ireland’s greatest contributions to America as an immigrant from Galway. A one of a kind gem that who along his formidable wife Helen made St. Louis one of the bastions of Irish culture for over 50 years. But it was his own genius and wit that made him such a personal favorite. Rest in peace P.J. you will never be forgotten. Paul Keating
PJ was truly a ‘“gentle” man. It is difficult to overstate the impact he and Helen have had on the growth of the Irish-American community in St. Louis. And through his career in psychiatry, PJ gave of himself to so many who were in need. Helen and the family are in our prayers.
Sending love and prayers to Helen, Sean, Niall, Liam and Eileen
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Uncle PJ. His joyful visits to Rockforth, Ireland, on his way to the Fleadh Cheoil were always a highlight, filled with warmth, laughter and music . That unforgettable smile of his lit up our hearts and left behind cherished memories that will forever hold a special place in our lives. May the love he shared and the joy he brought bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time. His spirit will live on in the stories and love you carry forward.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Anita
I am so sorry to hear of PJ’s passing. I only heard him play his harmonica once on Christmas Day and he could sure make it “rock”. The music, hospitality, and warmth that was shown to me that day is a memory I will never forget. My love, sympathy, and prayers to all your family
Our sincere sympathy to Helen and the Gannon family on P.J’s passing. Both you Helen and P.J have left such a wonderful musical legacy which you both have shared with so many and future generations of students will benefit. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
My prayers and condolences to Helen and the Gannon family
There is no higher compliment to PJ than…… your children become your legacy. The Gannon children’s lives are examples of how to build great lives and families. Well done.
Dr. Gannon was a kind and gentle physician who never forgot your name. He was always willing to reach out and offer a helping hand with a smile. The veterans he gave care to loved and respected him. He treated all VA employees with respect and dignity. As a young nurse back then, I looked up to him as a positive and spiritual role model. May his family find peace and strength knowing how many lives he touched and healed in so many ways.
Sincere Condolences to Helen and family. A great Galway man.
We were so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Gannon. Our prayers and thoughts are with Helen and her family at this time.
The Lyerla Family: Scott, Colleen, Mairead and Aoife (former SLIA students)
May all the Angels and Saints in heaven rejoice for the ” Master of the Harmonica” has joined their clan!
The SLIA Community will greatly miss your humor associated with a good story, and your guidance and patience with so many students as a teacher and mentor….
PLAY ON Dr. Gannon…….PLAY ON!
Gannon’s St.Raymond Learning Centre – Kenya
Grade 9 Learners
In this time of sorrow, we extend our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Gannon’s family. May the cherished memories you hold of your father bring you comfort, and may the support of those who care for you grant you strength and peace in the days ahead. It is never easy to say goodbye to one so dearly loved, but we pray you find courage and consolation during this difficult time.
As the pioneer class of the school, Grade 9, we are honored and grateful to be part of Gannon’s St. Raymond Learning Centre in Kenya, a school that bears his name and lasting legacy.
With our most heartfelt condolences,
Grade 9 Learners
Posted on behalf of the Grade 9 students at the Gannon’s St Raymond Learning Centre in Simboi Kenya.
Gannon’s St.Raymond Learning Centre – Kenya
Grade 9 Learners
In this time of sorrow, we extend our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Gannon’s family. May the cherished memories you hold of your father bring you comfort, and may the support of those who care for you grant you strength and peace in the days ahead. It is never easy to say goodbye to one so dearly loved, but we pray you find courage and consolation during this difficult time.
As the pioneer class of the school, Grade 9, we are honored and grateful to be part of Gannon’s St. Raymond Learning Centre in Kenya, a school that bears his name and lasting legacy.
With our most heartfelt condolences,
Grade 9 Learners
*Gannon’s St. Raymond Learning Centre – Kisumu, Kenya*
On behalf of the Board, administration, staff, and Learners of Gannon’s St. Raymond Learning Centre, a school that proudly bears the Gannon name, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Hellen and the entire Gannon family. In a special way, we remember Hellen, who was very close to Mr. Patrick Gannon, Niall, Dr. Liam, and their families.
As a school community, we also honor the memory of Mr. Patrick Gannon, whose pioneering spirit and name continue to inspire us through the legacy of Gannon’s St. Raymond Learning Centre in Kenya. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Sr. Judith Lihavi Shunza
School Director
*Gannon’s St. Raymond Learning Centre – Kisumu, Kenya*
On behalf of the Board, administration, staff, and Learners of Gannon’s St. Raymond Learning Centre, a school that proudly bears the Gannon name, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Hellen and the entire Gannon family. In a special way, we remember Hellen, who was very close to Mr. Patrick Gannon, Niall, Dr. Liam, and their families.
As a school community, we also honor the memory of Mr. Patrick Gannon, whose pioneering spirit and name continue to inspire us through the legacy of Gannon’s St. Raymond Learning Centre in Kenya. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Sr. Judith Lihavi Shunza
School Director
Dear Helen
Sincere condolences to you and to Sean Liam Niall and Eileen on the very sad loss of PJ.
You cared for him so well Helen. He will take care of you now, Thoughts and Prayers.
Mary Connolly Limerick.
Dear Helen,
Our condolences for your profound loss.
PJ’s twinkle, warmth, wisdom, and beautiful music touched many lives, creating ripples that will continue to resonate through generations.
We didn’t know him when he was employed as a healer though reading of his professional accomplishments is impressive and heartwarming. His love of Ireland and music, and most importantly, his devotion to you and your beautiful family over 61 years of marriage created a legacy of love that will live on through Eileen, Sean, Niall, Liam, and in the memories of dear Patrick.
May your memories bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Holding you close in our thoughts.
Helen,
I Am So Sorry To Hear Your Sad News, My Deepest Sympathy To You To Eileen, Niall, Sean, Liam And Their Family’s On PJ’s Death Rip At This Sad And Difficult Time.
Thinking Of You All, P J Will Be Sadly Missed By All Who Had The Pleasure Of Knowing Him. Pj Rest In Peace, Leaba Compordach I Measc Na Naomh Agus Na Aingeal Duit A Cara,
Sincere condolences to the Gannon family. Dr. Gannon was a colleague at the VA hospital. I always admired his professionalism, humor, skill, and genuine caring for the veterans in his care. He was bigger than life, and I am sure he is playing music in heaven right now.
Deepest sympathy to all. Rest in peace PJ.
I worked with Dr Gannon many years ago at the VA Jefferson Barracks Psychiatry Service. I fondly remember my experiences with him training the SLU Medical Students. He was so kind and understanding. He was genuinely a wonderful Doctor/individaul. He was always smiling. Dr. Gannon will be missed by many.
Helen, my condolences on the passing of PJ. May his memory be blessing to you and the entire Gannon family. We always enjoyed seeing PJ and you and the family on many occasions. PJ waz a wonderful person. God Bless Mark Dana