John E Cantara

John E. "Jack" Cantara, 87, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday morning June 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He is the beloved husband of Jacqueline R. (Rogers) Cantara with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. They married on September 1, 1956 in Vicenza, Italy.

Jack was born in Nashua on February 9, 1935, and was the son of the late Jerome and Grace (Young) Cantara. He received his education in the Nashua School System. Following his graduation from Nashua High School with the class of 1952, Jack  enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. He proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in January of 1957, and also served in the Army Reserves from 1957 – 1962.

For numerous years, he owned and operated the former Jerry’s Radio and TV Service in Nashua until his retirement. Following his retirement, he also was employed at various local car dealerships as a car delivery driver.

In his free time, Jack enjoyed taking leisurely rides, He was a proud member of the VFW Post 5791, the Knight of Columbus Council 5162, Nashua Jacyees, and he was also an avid baseball fan. Jack was a dedicated parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hudson for many years. Jack volunteered his time as a CCD Teacher, at the St. Vincent De Paul food pantry, and served on the Parish Council. Above all, his most cherished time was spent with his family especially while hosting family parties and summertime entertaining from his screen house.  He is forever loved and deeply missed by all who knew him.  Jack will also be remembered for his dry humor and corny jokes, he was the inventor of "Dad Jokes"

In addition to his wife, Jacqueline, he is survived by his five children, Kenneth Cantara and his wife Lynn of Hudson, Thomas Cantara of Hudson, Maria Keller and her husband Matt of Hudson, Kathryn Cantara of Hudson, and Margaret Doucette and her husband Roger of Nashua; his 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and his great-great granddaughter. He is also survived by his two siblings, Priscilla Brown of Pensacola, Florida and Nancy McCallum of Nashua and many nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his son, Peter Cantara.

Jack’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses of Amedisys Hospice Care for their kindness, compassion and care provided to Jack and his family.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jack’s visitation on TUESDAY, June 21st from 4 PM until 7 PM at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. His Funeral Mass will be held on WEDNESDAY, June 22nd at 10 AM in St. Kathryn Church, 4 Dracut Road, Hudson, NH. Interment and presentation of military honors to take place at the New Hampshire State Veteran Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH. Donations may be made in Jack’s name to the American Kidney Fund by visiting www.kidneyfund.org. or to Amedisys Hospice Care, 7 Rockingham Road, Suite 200, Windham, NH 03087. 

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