Obituary - Tony Cantalini

Mr. Tony George Cantalini of Palm Springs, California, passed away peacefully after a short and courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at the age of 49 years. He is the beloved son of Leona and the late George Cantalini, and very special, beloved uncle of Debra Cantalini-Gallant (Ernie) of Medicine Hat. Tony is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gladys Cantalini-Urichuk (Nick) of Medicine Hat, as well as numerous cousins and uncles in Alberta, British Columbia and California. He was predeceased by his father George in December of 1962, five brothers, Alf Cantalini, Joe Cantalini, Maurice Cantalini, Dr. Alfonso Cantalini and Dr. Ray Cantalini; two sisters, Elsa Cantalini and Antonietta Moramacco; two sisters-in-law, Lilly Cantalini and Aldisia Cantalini. Tony was born in Palm Springs, California in 1957. He received his High School education at McCoy High School in Medicine Hat, graduating in 1975. Tony Cantalani was the proud owner of two of Calgary's leading men's clothing stores; Manuel and Vasaari. Tony had an innate talent of recognizing and creating beauty. In fact he was one of the leading forces in Calgary to influence those who had an appetite for a sophisticated lifestyle. He paid strict attention to detail and insured that his customers, many of whom were his close friends, always had or knew about the very best that money could buy. In the late 1980's, Tony sold his business and moved to San Francisco where he earned a graduate degree from the California School of Interior Design. Tony majored in Interior Architecture. Soon after graduating, Tony opened his own interior design firm, Cantalini and Associates. As everything he touched, his design firm flourished. This was very evident when the British Consulate in San Francisco sent Tony to a design conference in October of 2000. With success in hand, Tony decided to expand his practice to the city of his birth, Palm Springs. Tony loved Palm Springs. Soon after he arrived, he elected to close his business in the bay area and move to Palm Spring permanently. It was in Palm Springs that Tony lived the remaining years of his extraordinary life, and he always looked forward to the many calls from Debra and Ernie, as well as their visits. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his loving mother Leona; his family, and many friends. Special thanks to Nick Chicola and Allen Cox for their unwavering support and for standing by Tony through everything. Also, thank you to Tony's physicians, Dr. Comachio, Dr. Grimm and Dr. Lischman, as well as the staff at the Palm Springs Health Care Facility where Tony received much care and support. The Funeral Service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, at 11:00 A.M. with Father Dan Stevenot officiating. Interment will follow in the Cantalini Family Plot at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medicine Hat Cancer Centre, 666 - 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6.