Robert Cannata passed away peacefully at home in Hollis, NH on December 20th, 2025, with his wife in attendance.

People in NH knew him as Martin or Marty, a name he carried from his time as a member of the Franciscan Friars in the late 1960s.

Born on April 6, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Frederick J. Cannata and Elizabeth J. Endryas, he was predeceased by his step brothers, Michael Cannata of Florida and Frederick Cannata of Massachusetts. Robert served in the United States Navy beginning in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1962 from Quonset Point, Rhode Island.

Robert graduated from Tufts University Museum School and was a practicing artist throughout his life. He developed distinctive techniques in metal sculpture, working primarily with copper and Monel. He also sourced materials from scrap piles and from his father-in-law's collection of unusual metals. He developed a method of stretching canvas over shaped forms which, once painted, became unique wall sculptures.

Robert was a longtime member of the New Hampshire Art Association. His work aligned closely with the minimalist tradition, using simple forms to suggest motion and space. His sculptures and paintings were widely distributed and can be found in numerous homes and businesses.

Over the course of his working life, he was employed at NH Highway Hotel and Scandinavian Design Contemporary Furniture, and later retired from the Currier Museum of Art, where he developed and managed the museum gift shop.

Robert was married for 51 years to his wife, Karla E. Vogel, formerly of McKean, Pennsylvania. He found joy in a life shared with Karla—renovating several homes, skiing, roaming back roads on motorcycles, enjoying the oceans of New Hampshire and North Carolina, and keeping many beloved cats as close companions. He became a familiar and friendly presence in the Hollis community.

Robert will be remembered for his creativity, quiet curiosity, love of simple pleasures, and deep connection to the places and people he called home.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring after his interment at Hollis East Cemetery.

Donations in his name can be directed to the Animal Rescue League of NH, 545 Rt 101, Bedford, NH 03110 or NH Art Association at 136 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801.