Thomas M. Cantwell's Obituary
Decatur – Thomas Michael Cantwell, Sr., (65) passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Tom was born September 28, 1950 in Decatur, Illinois, son of Robert and Rose (Grosso) Cantwell. He married Frances Joanne DaVanon on August 12, 1972, at St. Cajetan Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois.
Tom taught music at Mound Middle School in Decatur from 1972-1982. He left teaching to pursue a career in insurance where he worked primarily as a District Manager from 1982-1997. He was the organist & choir director at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Decatur from 1972-1992.
In 1992, Prudential transferred Tom and his family to Belleville, Illinois, and then to Helena, Montana, in 1996. In 1997, after Tom retired from Prudential, the family moved back to Decatur, Illinois, where Tom became the Business Manager at Saints James & Patrick Parish in Decatur as well as the liturgical music director & choir director at Holy Family in Decatur. Tom was on the Diocesan Board of Education and a member of the Illinois Catholic Conference.
Tom leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Frances; his two children Cara (George) Johns and Tom Jr. (Jaclyn) Cantwell; three grandchildren, George Jacob Jr. & Maura Rose Johns and Owen Thomas Cantwell, all of Decatur, Illinois, and his brother Kevin Cantwell of St. Louis, MO. Tom is also survived by his two aunts: Florence “Fannie” Moore and Angeline “Ang” (Michael) Prince; uncle, Pete (Jane) Grosso, many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his father Robert and his mother Rose.
Tom loved to travel with his family and enjoyed his work with the church as well as time spent with friends. He loved his three grandchildren very much. They were the light of his life; he spoke of them often.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home.
Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Tom’s life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, November 16, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Very Rev. Joseph M. Molloy, V.F., main celebrant. Burial will be in Mt. Gilead Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the: Thomas M. Cantwell, Sr., Education Fund (Education Fund for his grandchildren), c/o Busey Bank.
The Cantwell family is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
Video Tribute for Thomas Cantwell: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/G7GDMN4885ZKFWHF
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?