Stanley Cantilina

Stanley J. Cantilina, 88, of Milford, NJ, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and was reunited with his wife of 66 years, on Monday, August 07, 2023 at the Rolling Hills Care Center in Clinton Township, NJ.

Born November 24, 1934 in Paterson, NJ, Stanley was the only child of the late John Stanley Cantilina and Marie (Rutenburg) Cantilina and grew up in a home where a strong, dedicated work ethic was of primary importance. He graduated from Passaic County VoTech School as an electrician. Stanley met the love of his life, Helene Marie DeBlock, while playing the marimba for church. Helene accompanied him on the piano and went on to accompany him for life. They were married on June 1, 1957 and raised their family in Prospect Park, NJ before moving to Milford, NJ in 1987.

Stanley worked as a self-employed electrician under his self-titled company S&H Electrical Contracting. He also worked for Nabisco as a production line electrician, for Batelli Electric, was a co-owner of Eagle Electric, and for MCI Electric. He then worked with his two sons, John and Jeremy, for the family electrical contracting company, Tectonic Associates, Inc. After retiring from Tectonic in 2008, he worked for Hunterdon Music store, ordering and organizing sheet music.

Known for his silent prayers before large family meals, Stanley was a man of few words but countless faithful acts of service. He dedicated his time at church to being an elder, a Sunday school teacher, a sound technician, a buildings and grounds manager, and as a musician, playing the marimba from boyhood and, later in life, playing in the bell choir. But his greatest joy came from supporting Helene in her many pursuits as a church musical director. For the past 15 years, he could be seen by her side at the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church organ, turning the pages of her music. In his spare time, he enjoyed model trains, dollhouse wiring, building Lego sets, and traveling with Helene. He enjoyed fine dining, but nothing was better than good cheese and a glass of wine.

Stanley also served his community as an ambulance driver and dispatcher for Haledon Ambulance Corps in his younger years, and later taught night school first aid and CPR. He also taught home repair classes at a local community college, sharing his skill as a true DIYer. He served as the Zoning Officer of Milford Borough and was on the Milford Town Council for a number of years. His life was characterized by his sense of helpfulness and working with his hands. He was always a consultant on any home project, and never stopped planning ways to build and improve his home for his family.

Stanley is survived by his daughter Judi Lee Meeter (Doug), his four sons John Cantilina (Allison), Robert Cantilina (Wenfei), Thomas Cantilina (Amy), and Jeremy Cantilina (Emily), his fifteen grandchildren, six grandchildren-in-law, and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Helene M. (DeBlock) Cantilina in June 2023.

Services and interment will be held privately at the Bethlehem Cemetery in Pittstown, NJ. Arrangements are under the care of the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Milford, NJ.

All are invited to a musical celebration of life for Stanley and Helene Cantilina. Their Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 3pm, at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 2 Race Street, Pittstown NJ, 08867.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Helene Cantilina Organ Improvement Fund https://gofund.me/d3c01ecc. (Link must be copied and pasted in web browser.)

Condolences

From: The Mussari family
We are so sorry for your loss and continue to pray for you all. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and give you peace.

From: The Mussari family
We are so sorry for your loss and continue to pray for you all. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and give you peace.

From: Deb & Allen Grim
We are so sorry for your loss. Your parents were the kindest best people and we have fond memories. May the good memories you have give you comfort as you grieve. We know that no words can help, we pray for you and your whole family and hope that the prayers of friends will bring you some comfort. Love Deb and Allen and the rest of the Grim Family

From: Marilyn Buis Bruner
I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. I am one of his many cousins on his mom’s side, Marie Ruitenberg Cantilina. My brother, Joe Buis, was in your parent’s wedding many years ago. So many fond family memories of the Ruitenberg family in earlier years. Cherish all your wonderful memories that you have of your parents and always remember their love for their Savior . Rejoice in the fact that they are in heaven together forever worshiping their Lord. Praying that our Lord will wrap His loving arms around you all with His peace and comfort. Sincere sympathy, Marilyn

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