John M. Cantoni, 76
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. â€' John Michael Cantoni, 76, of 150 Church St., died Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield. He was a longtime local businessman.
Born in North Adams on June 24, 1934, son of Rosario and Rose Benincasa Cantoni, he attended North Adams schools and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1953. He was an outstanding athlete and was the captain of the 1952 football team. That year, he was named to the All-Berkshire and All-Western Massachusetts teams. He also was a member of the varsity basketball team.
Mr. Cantoni was a veteran of the Marines and served from 1954 to 1957. Following his military service, he attended the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship. He also played semi-pro football with the former St. Anthony Crusaders.
He worked at the former Sprague Electric Co. from 1958 to 1964 and then at General Electric from 1964 to 1978. In 1978, he established the Brick Oven Restaurant in North Adams, which he operated until his retirement in 2004. During that time, he also owned and operated an Angelina's Sub Shop franchise in North Adams.
He was a communicant of the former St. Anthony of Padua Church. He was a member of the North Adams Elks, Greylock Community Club and the Northern Berkshire Retired Men's Club. He enjoyed playing basketball, softball, hunting, fishing and playing cards. He was a fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
He leaves his wife, the former Carol J. Cimonetti, whom he married on Aug. 16, 1958; two sons, John M. Cantoni Jr. and William Cantoni and his wife, Cindy, all of North Adams; grandsons Jake Cantoni and Michael Cantoni, and nieces and nephews.
A daughter died in infancy. He also was predeceased by his brother, Rosario Cantoni, and his sister, Claire Graham.
FUNERAL NOTICE â€' A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. Cantoni will be celebrated Friday, June 10, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.