Robert P. Cantini

Robert P. Cantini, 88, of West Newton, PA passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Grandview Estates Memory Care in Elizabeth, PA. He was born March 15, 1932 in Herminie, PA. Son of the late Francis “Frank” and Evelyn “Maggie” Montanari Cantini. Robert was a graduate of the former Sewickley Township High School Class of 1950. After marrying the love of his life, Shirley A. Cantini, in 1955 Robert went on to work as a yard operator for the Duquesne Slag Company. He retired in 1994 after 39 years of employment. Robert had a strong faith in God and never missed Sunday mass. He was a member of St. Edwards Church in Herminie, PA where he was a part of the Sunshine Club as well as a Third degree in the Knights of Columbus.  When he was younger, he was a member at Seven Dolors Church in Yukon, PA. He was very involved and was on the church council for many years. He loved bird watching and would note the different birds that came to his feeder daily. He was an amazing photographer and loved to take pictures. Along with his high school friend William Plassio, Robert founded Boy Scout Troop #240 in Hutchinson, PA, where he served as Scoutmaster for 20 years. He and his sons would camp many weekends at Camp Tenecharison or the Sewickley Grange with their troop. They also spent a few weeks every summer at Camp Conestoga where they shared their love of scouting with other troops from the Westmoreland County area. He also received awards for his work as a scoutmaster, including the Silver Beaver Award for the impact he had on the lives of youth through his service given to the Boy Scouts. During and after his leadership, Robert was affectionately known as “Cap” and his troop members would look to him for advice and talk of him highly. Robert and his wife loved to travel up and down the east coast in their RV throughout their marriage. They made many trips over 64 years, including Myrtle Beach, SC and making a long trip out west. He is preceded in death by both parents, his loving wife of 64 years – Shirley Ann Simonazzi Cantini and one sister – Gladys Emili. He is survived by one daughter – Cindy Achtzehn and husband Darren of Madison, PA, two sons – Robert A. Cantini and wife Dorothy of Kennet Square, PA and Stephen P. Cantini of Gardners, PA, one brother – Francis Cantini of Homer City, PA, two sisters – Phyllis Thorne of Blairsville, PA and Maxine DeBernardo of Blairsville, PA, two grandsons – Adam Cantini and Sam Achtzehn and one granddaughter – Anna Cantini. A private viewing will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Beatty-Rich Funeral Home, Inc. Rt 136 Madison, PA. A private mass will follow at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Herminie, PA with Fr. Richard Ulam, O.S.B. officiating. A private interment will follow at the West Newton Cemetery in West Newton, PA. In compliance with the CDC COVID-19 guidelines, masks are required to be worn at all times and social distancing is required. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to St. Edwards Church 120 St. Edwards Lane Herminie, PA 15637 or Alzheimer’s Association 2835 E Carson St Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15203. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert P. Cantini, please visit our floral store.