Gil Canania

life story

The Emperor's reign has concluded

About Gil

Gil passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, surrounded by family. Gil was the beloved husband of Theresa Canania, father to Rachael (Scott) LaBounty and cherished brother-in-law and uncle of many.

He grew up on the Meremac river where he first developed a love for fishing. In high school he wrestled with his best friend Ron and was captain of the golf team his senior year. After high school he spent four years in the Army where he studied code breaking and linguistics and traveled all over Europe while stationed in Germany. Early in his deployment he had a relapse of rheumatic fever and was banned from strenuous activity but talked the doctor into giving him an exemption to play softball.

He went to college on the GI bill to study German until Ron convinced him to apply for pharmacy school. While in school he and Ron went on a ski trip where he met his wife, Theresa. They were both avid skiers and spent many springs driving to Colorado to enjoy the mountains with Rachael as a child.

Gil had a successful 25-year career as a pharmacist at Saint Mary’s hospital. He coached hospital softball leagues and eventually created his own (the Bomber’s) amongst whom he was affectionately dubbed “the Emperor.” The Bombers became more like a family, present for all major milestones in each other’s lives and traveling frequently together on vacations.

To his delight, he was able to enjoy 17 years of retirement.

Fluent in sarcasm and crossword puzzle clues, he could always be relied on for random trivia and quick wit and was at the center of every party telling a wild story and making everyone laugh. Gil could usually be found at the bowling alley or golf course amongst friends drinking a Michelob Golden Draft and wearing a cardinal’s hat. He loved tournaments of all kinds and always had a few dollars wagered on a side bet.

His proudest accomplishments include a 42 year long marriage, traveling throughout the world, the multiple hole in ones he got while golfing (and really any day that he beat his brother-in-law, Joe), catching a 10lb bass and watching his favorite daughter become a doctor and marrying her off to Scott, who shares his love for golf and who he loved like a son.

As an avid sports fan, a game was always on at his house including last Saturday with his final words being the Mizzou chant “Z-O-U” during a basketball game.

Gil was content with the simple things in life. He requests that we not mourn him, but rather that we celebrate what a great life he lived. Celebrate, we will.

memorial service

Celebration of life

March 8, 2026

Andre's Sunset Hills Banquets & Catering 13366 W Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127, USA

In lieu of funeral services, family and friends are all welcome from 2:00 - 5:00pm for a celebration of life.