WORCESTER-William J. Cantwell, 81, of 39D First Street, formerly of Framingham, died Saturday, October 29th in University Commons. His wife Patricia A. (Cahill) Cantwell died in 1998. He leaves 3 sons; William S. and his wife Carol L. Cantwell of Shrewsbury, Kevin M. and his wife Gail Cantwell of Worcester and Paul J. and his wife Petra Cantwell in Germany. A daughter; Mary-Kay Cantwell of Worcester, his brother; James Cantwell of Worcester and 2 sisters; Mary T. Yando of Falmouth and Jean Corbin of Scituate, 4 grandchildren; Meghan Cantwell of Shrewsbury, Matthew J. and Morgan A. Cantwell both of Worcester and Sina Cantwell of Germany, and many nephews and nieces.
He was born in Groton, CT the son of William and Josephine J. (Sullivan) Cantwell. Mr. Cantwell was a graduate of Lawrence High School in Falmouth, and attended Newman Prep and the Bryant Stratford Business College. He was a World War 2 Navy veteran serving with the Seabees in the Solomon Islands. He had been employed as a wholesale liquor salesman for Price Brothers and Boston Beverage Company for 40 years, he retired 16 years ago. Mr. Cantwell was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, a former member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Marlborough Chapter. In recent years Mr. Cantwell found great joy in exploring his Irish heritage, and being involved with the community of his parish. He at one time played semi-pro baseball in the Cape Cod League’s, Falmouth Commodores.
The funeral is Thursday, November 3rd, from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 341 June Street. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. Calling hours are Wednesday, November 2nd from 4:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Special Olympics, 450 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.