JOSEPH CARL CANNELLA, SR, age 69, of Murfreesboro, passed away Monday, March 2, 2009 after a short battle with brain cancer. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, and then resided in Sayville, Long Island, NY for three years and in Hagerstown, Maryland for 13 years. He was the son of the late Carlmello and Jessie Zafrano Cannella. He was preceded in death by a great grandson, Joseph Noel French, Jr. Funeral Mass will be 12 noon Saturday at St. Lukes Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan Stefano Cannella, son, Joseph Cannella, Jr of Old Hickory, daughters, Dawn (Geoffrey) Cannella-Parsh of Dallas, TX, Tracey Cannella of Murfreesboro, and Joni Cannella of Murfreesboro, brother, Paul Cannella of Babylon, NY, sister, Josephine Skinner of Pheonix, AZ, grandchildren, Brittany (Jeremy) Stanfield, Joseph (Katie) Noel French, Joseph C. Cannella, III, Lacey N.P. Cannella, and Meighan Parsh, loyal companion, Raggs , the yorkie poo, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family and many friends. Mr. Cannella was a member of St. Lukes Catholic Church. He retired from Textron Aero structures after 25 years of service. After retirement he worked for the Rutherford County Board of Education for several years. Mr. Cannella was a lifetime 4th degree Knights of Columbus member and belonged to Friends of Horse Lovers of Rutherford County. He proudly served his country in the U S Army from 1956 until 1959. Pallbearers will be Joseph Noel French, Jeremy Stanfield, Geoffrey Parsh, Robert Hagelberg, Ernie Gartung, Jr, and David Gartung. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 11:30 am Saturday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. 615-459-3254.