Philip Cantoni

Philip T. Cantoni, 74, of Cape Girardeau, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012 at Southeast Missouri Hospital. He was born on June 10, 1938, in St. Louis to Joseph and Mary Cantoni. Phil was married to Antoinette (Ann) C. Cantoni on April 15, 1961.

He worked with H & R Block as a regional manager in the late 1970's, which brought him and his family to Cape Girardeau from St. Louis over 30 years ago. He later became employed as a security guard for West Park Mall from the original opening date in 1981 to the present. Phil loved to travel, visit casinos, spend time with his grandkids and watch old movies. He was an exceptional cook and enjoyed sharing his love for food with friends and family. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau and an active member of the St. Vincent's Men's Association.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law; Philip A. and Judy VanGennip Cantoni of Cape Girardeau and David J. and Heather Click Cantoni of Jackson; three grandchildren, Erika, 21, and Nicholas, 16, of Cape Girardeau and Jacob, 11, of Jackson; a brother-in-law, Thomas Bellistri; a sister-in-law, Linda Simcock, both of St. Louis; and four nephews and three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Carmella Bellistri; sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Paul Jones of Effingham, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Elaine Bellistri and brother-in-law, Thomas Simcock, both of St. Louis; and two infant grandsons, Alex and Gabriel Cantoni.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Ford & Sons Funeral Home on Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. David Hulshof officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Pallbearers will be Fred VanGennip, Mike Schaffar, Jim Lawrence, Gary Wibbenmeyer, Scott Raines, Rod Weir and Wavis Jordan.

Honorary pallbearers will be his two grandsons, Nicholas and Jacob.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the St. Vincent's Men's Association at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.