John Cantwell Obituary

Cantwell, John Scott
June 8, 2024

John passed away surrounded by loving family on June 8th, 2024, from a cerebral aneurysm.

John was a man of few words but always knew the right thing to say. He was an honorable man whose character was steadfast- kind, gentle, respectful of nature, and a hard day's work. John was a Russian linguist with the Air Force.

While singing in his beautiful baritone and playing guitar, he wooed the love of his life, Julie, whom he married in 1992. They worked side by side in the Structured Settlements industry, which John pioneered in the 1980s.

During the last three decades of his life, John succeeded in surviving five distinct primary cancers and a recurrence of the last one. Each consecutive battle took its toll, but John always fought with grace, humility, and, most importantly, a sense of humor.

He never lost his sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. He was a voracious reader, an avid birdwatcher, and a fine fisherman who could spend all day at the river casting for trout. He had a gift for storytelling, a sharp wit, and a knack for making people laugh heartily. He will be dearly missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Dick, Jack, and Buck. He is survived by his wife Julie; siblings Monda, Carol, Paul, and Christy; children Buck, Shannon, Kristina, and Kimberly; and grandsons Logan and Charlie.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring and compassionate doctors and staff of MD Anderson Cancer Center who walked the journey with him, namely doctors Dr. Brian K. Bednarski, Dr. Jianjun Gao, Dr. Comron Hassanzadeh, and Dr. Stephen J. Frank.

Please consider donating on John's behalf to MD Anderson Cancer Center, The National Audubon Society, or Reading is Fundamental.