Eugene “Gene” J. Cantele, 86, passed away Wednesday at Morningside of College Park, Indianapolis, IN. Gene was born in Chicago, IL, Sept. 2, 1929, son of the late John and Ann (Nee: McGowan) Cantele.
After graduating from high school in Chicago, Gene enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. He then attended Maryknoll Mission Seminary, and during that time, he met the love of his life, Marian M. Sullivan. They were united in marriage on Nov. 27, 1958 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Racine, WI. She preceded him in death Feb. 13, 2010. Gene co-owned and operated High Street Hardware for several years, yet the majority of his career was spent working at Douglas Hardware & Supply. He was a longtime member of Roma Lodge and St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church. Most of all Gene cherished time with his family and following his beloved Chicago Bears.
He will be dearly missed by his children, Jeanine (Rick) Wellinghoff of Indianapolis, IN, John (Sue) Cantele of Dallas, TX; his grandchildren, Alex Wellinghoff of Indianapolis, Claire (Brian) Pigman of Chicago, IL, Anthony Cantele of Wichita, KS, Jack Cantele of Dallas, TX; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Ernestina Cantele, Frank (Angie) Sullivan, Jean Sullivan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his son, Mark; brother, Frank Cantele; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ken Sullivan, Orville Sullivan, Harold Sullivan, Paul Sullivan, Bill Sullivan, Joyce (Butch) Spanjers, Mary Sullivan, and Bernice Sullivan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green St., Racine, with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Catherine’s High School, 1200 Park Avenue, Racine, WI 53403 or to Wheeler Mission Ministries, 205 East New York Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 have been suggested.
