Joseph "Joe" Cantello's Obituary
Joseph Michael Cantello was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He left this world suddenly surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, October 3, 2022.
He was born to Louis and Santa (Annolina) Cantello on October 1,1939 in Bayonne, NJ. Joseph enlisted in the Army at the young age of 17 and was stationed in West Germany serving as an Artilleryman where he earned the rank of Specialist 5. He loved his country and was proud to be a veteran. After returning to the States, Joseph met the love of his life, Camille Pirozzi, at his close friend’s wedding. He and Camille would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 27, 2023. Joseph attended college at night while he was married and graduated with a BS in marketing from St. Peter’s college, Jersey City, NJ.
Joseph worked at Atlantic Richfield (Sinclair Oil) for 12 years before joining RJR Nabisco as Director of Finance. He retired after 22 years. He then began a successful career in real estate working as a real estate broker at Brunswick Golf Plantation in Calabash, North Carolina.
While living in Calabash, Joseph was very involved in his community. He helped to coordinate the Christmas drive to donate bikes to the foster children of Brunswick County for 20 years before he relocated to Cornelius. In Cornelius, Joseph wanted to continue his philanthropic endeavors, so he joined the North Mecklenburg Exchange Club where he was a founding member and served as treasurer. His only requirement to be the treasurer was to use a ledger and paper checks – no automation.
Joe was an avid NY Giants fan having season tickets since 1961. He loved watching the games with his family and though the last few years were not winning seasons, he always had a positive outlook. He also was a huge NY Yankees fan! A big sports guy, Joe loved watching and reading about his teams and knew all the players and their stats. His grandchildren were amazed at how much he knew. In retirement you could either find him on the golf course or enjoying time with his wife. He and Camille loved traveling together and were fortunate to travel across the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe several times, with Italy being his favorite country.
Above all else, Joseph loved his family! He is survived by his loving wife, Camille; daughter Lisa and her husband Joe Turley, John and his wife Christine, and son Joseph and his wife Jayne; 10 grandchildren: Michael Turley (Kendall), Justine Turley, Marisa Turley, Stephen Turley, Jessica Cantello, David Cantello, Dylan Cantello, Joey Cantello, Sam Cantello, Jack Cantello; and his sister Marianne Kornett (Bob) and brother Robert Cantello.
A memorial service to celebrate Joseph’s life will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022, beginning at 1 pm at James Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation in Joe's name to either Love Lake Norman Church https://lovelkn.org/give or St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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