Paul F Cantiani

Paul F. Cantiani, 79 of Worcester, passed away peacefully Easter Sunday, April 21st 2019, at home with his loved ones at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be joining the love of his life for 54 years, Claire (Bern) Cantiani who passed away in 2015 along with his grandson, Collin Williams Jr. who recently passed away on April 7^th.

Paul was the son of Angelo and Mary (Dacri) Cantiani. In 1961, Paul married his beloved high school sweetheart, Claire and together settled in his Grafton Hill to raise their family and continued to reside there until his passing. Paul is survived by his two children, Paul Cantiani, Jr. and his wife Leanny; and a daughter, Cheryl Ann Cantiani-Williams;  three grandchildren whom he adored & loved Lenox, Liam, and Landen and was anxiously awaiting the birth of his two twin granddaughters, Emery and Amelia; His right hand person whom he believed to be like a daughter, Lisa Markarian LaBossiere and her husband John;  Nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law; extended family members and friends. He also thought of his employees as part of his extended family as well. In addition to his parents, wife and grandson, a sister, Joanne Pease also pre deceased him. 

Paul attended Dartmouth Street School and graduated in 1958 from St. Stephens High School. He continued his education graduating from Leicester Junior College in 1961. Paul and his wife, Claire (Bern) Cantiani attended the St. Augustine Institute, a division of Assumption College where they graduated in 1973 as the first husband and wife ever to receive a four-year degree in Liberal Arts.

Paul began his working career in 1975 as a teacher in the Shrewsbury school system; later that same year he founded the Paul F. Cantiani Insurance Agency located in Worcester, MA and in 1981 also founded, the East Douglas Insurance Agency located in Douglas.   Over the years Paul co-founded many businesses including the Fitchburg Insurance Agency, the C&P Insurance Agency, Blackstone Benefits and C&M Financial Group. His business career also included serving on numerous insurance carriers Agency Councils.  

Paul has been active in sports his entire life. He first served as Captain of the St. Stephens High School State Champions in 1958. He continued his career coaching at St. Peters, Millbury and Wachusett Regional High Schools, the Tom Ash and Jack Barry Little Leagues, the Grafton Hill American Legion baseball team for 12 years, and the Assumption College Football from 1972-1982, retiring after a 25-year coaching career.

Paul was inducted into the Leicester Jr. College Hall of Fame in 1980, the Assumption College Hall of Fame in 1982 and in 1993, he was inducted into the Sons of Italy Hall of Fame.  Paul enjoyed reminiscing with former players recently at the Assumption College 50^th Year Celebration of Football. He was so very proud of all his players and coaches throughout his coaching career.

Paul served as a Parks Commissioner for the City of Worcester from 1994 to 2000. During his six-year term, he helped change the Green Hill Golf Course, which has been the number one public golf course in Massachusetts for two years in a row. He also worked on the Coburn Avenue field, “Lake Park”, the Jack Barry Little League field, the Banes Playground Project and the Holmes field projects.

Paul was instrumental in helping to organize the Olympic Softball Team Exhibition held in Worcester in 1996 and again in 1999. He served as Chairman for the Ralph Raymond Testimonial where the City of Worcester honored Coach Raymond of the Gold Medal Olympic Softball Team.

In 2005, Paul was the driving force behind bringing Professional Baseball to the City of Worcester, the Worcester Tornadoes. During that first year, Paul organized area restaurants to feed the players healthy meals that Paul would deliver personally to the field. They won the Championship that first year and Paul had a very special relationship with Tornadoes Manager, Rich Gedman, whom he loved like a son.

Paul Cantiani is most proud of his Italian-American background and worked hard to keep his heritage and culture alive.  Paul and Claire would travel to visit family in Italy every few years.  He is a member of the Worcester Sons of Italy Lodge #168 and served as Chairman of the Sports scholarship Award Banquet many years where students of Italian Heritage receive awards for their outstanding athletic and academic accomplishments.

In 2012, Paul’s focus was solely on his beloved wife, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. He devoted himself to her care for many years, taking her on long rides to their home on the Cape which she loved.  Paul was a larger than life mentor to many and a friend to all.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Thursday, April 25^th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Friday, April 26^th from the funeral home with a procession to St Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton St where his celebration of Christian burial mass will be at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.    In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s Church School, 357 Grafton Street.