Lanoco Specialty Wire Co-Founder John J. Lannon Dies at 80
The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) has reported the passing of John J. Lannon, co-founder of Lanoco Specialty Wire Products, Inc., a supplier of fine-diameter wire used in the power brush industry. Lannon died March 3, 2026, after a six-year battle with cancer. He was 80.
Lannon helped establish Lanoco Specialty Wire in 1984 alongside his brother Robert Lannon and brother-in-law Thomas O’Connor. The company became a recognized supplier of precision wire products used in industrial brush manufacturing, serving customers across the power brush sector.
Prior to founding Lanoco, Lannon spent 14 years with Worcester Wire, a division of National Standard Corp., in Worcester, Massachusetts. He later relocated to Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, where he assisted with the setup and training of equipment operations for National Standard before returning to Massachusetts to launch the family-owned business.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Lannon was the son of Michael J. and Florence G. (Garrow) Lannon. He attended South High School and later graduated from Becker Junior College with a degree in business administration.
In 1963, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. During his service, he received the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for valor and was awarded a Meritorious Mast for outstanding performance of duty. Lannon often reflected on his military experience, saying that his country had “trained him well.”
Outside of work, Lannon enjoyed reading, particularly books on history and science. He traveled extensively, visiting Civil War battlefields, national parks, and attending Broadway performances and concerts. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed ocean cruises and trips to Mohegan Sun Casino.
Lannon was a member of Disabled American Veterans and the Charles F. Minney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3329 in Millbury, Massachusetts.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen (Bradley) Lannon; his daughter Kerry Lannon and her partner Michael Elian; his son Kevin Lannon and wife Melissa; his grandsons Evan and Jay Beaudet; his granddaughters Amelia and Jocelyn Lannon; his brother Robert G. Lannon and wife Mary; and his sister-in-law Mary Ellen O’Connor. He was predeceased by his brothers Francis and Michael, his sister Patricia, and his grandson Jack Beaudet.
Visitation will be held March 10 in Millbury, Massachusetts. A funeral Mass will be celebrated March 11 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Sutton, Massachusetts.
