William Cantara

William P. "Bill" Cantara, age 82 formerly of Youngstown, died Sunday July 22, 2018 in Northgate Manor after a lengthy illness. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on November 26, 1935 to the late Royal and Gladys (Howard) Cantara. After graduating from Wilson High School, Bill served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves from 1953 to 1958 and then entered and served in the U.S. Army from 1958- 1960. Following his active duty service he served in the Army National Guard from 1961 until his Honorable Discharge in 1970. Bill began working for the Carborundum Co. in 1967 in Niagara Falls and from 1979 to 1985 worked for the company in Louisiana until returning in 1986. Bill retired from UNIFRAX Corp. in 1998. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing Euchre at the Elks club in Niagara Falls, but mostly spending time with his family and grandchildren. On August 3, 1963 Bill married Mary Marcia (Smith) Cantara who predeceased him on February 21, 2013. He is survived by his three children, Richard (Virginia) Cantara, Mary Karen (Kevin) Girasole, and Katie (David) Stefik; seven grandchildren, Shannon, Megan, Kevin, Keely, Sian, Lauren, and Amelia; his siblings, Gail Winters, David Cantara, Suzie Walp, Eloise Bowman, Bruce Cantara, and Mary Beth Grusendorf; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Timothy and Richard Cantara. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Thursday from 4 - 8 pm. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July, 27, at 10:00 am from St. Peter RC Church, 600 Center St., Lewiston, with the Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating.(Please assemble at Church) Burial with Military Honors will follow in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice at Northgate Manor, 7264 Nash Rd., N. Tonawanda, NY 14120.