Michael A. Cantelmo 1945-2026

He was born Sept. 5, 1945, in Warren, the son of Anthony M. and Bertha Carnahan Cantelmo.

Mike was a 1963 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, where he played football and ran track. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1967 with a degree in mechanical engineering. His primary employment was with Republic Steel / LTV Steel for 34 years. Though the plant closed, he commuted and lived away from home as an engineer until he retired in 2014.

A man of immense talent, Mike committed himself to his many interests wholeheartedly. His love of community and faith led him to be an active member of Christ Episcopal Church or any church he found himself part of, as he had to travel for work. At Christ Episcopal Church, he served on the vestry and was active in both the Men’s Breakfast Group and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.

Always curious to try new things, he spent years trying to create a perfect bread dough. When he decided to try his hand at making wine, his determination earned him a medal for his homemade cherry wine in one of the first Italian American festivals in Warren. Mike enjoyed working outdoors in his garden and flower beds. The beautiful flowers he grew often became the subjects of his photography and paintings. When oil and acrylic left him dissatisfied with the flexibility of correction, Mike chose watercolors as his medium of choice, embracing the challenge of their diametric fluidity and permanence.

As an accomplished watercolor painter, he was a member of the Trumbull Art Gallery (TAG), Random Acts of Artists and the Ohio Watercolor Society, creating gorgeous works of art that he shared with family, friends and the community of local artists. This long-held passion culminated in a solo exhibition in 2025, celebrating his long-term love of his craft.

Most of all, Mike enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He attended many an activity, cheering for sports events, recitals, music performances and any life events, all with equal pride in the accomplishments of his family.

Precious memories of Mike live on with his large, blended family, beginning with his beloved wife of 46 years, Gail Hassell Cantelmo, whom he married Dec. 28, 1979; two children and their families from a previous marriage, Anthony (Maria) Cantelmo and their children, Josie, Viessa and Giavanna of Columbus, and Rosanne (Dale) Gosselin and their sons, Alex and Sean of Ashtabula; three bonus daughters and their families, Crickett (Tim) Phillips of Howland, and their children, Charli (Chris) Zysk and Aaron (Alison) Strock, parents to two adored great-granddaughters, Sofie and Carter; Jennifer (Tom) Cupp and their children, Mallory and Jacob of Warren; and Samantha (David) Williams (David) of Fowler; his loving sister, Nancy (Chilli) Vescera of Cortland; and many nieces and nephews who love him and think of him fondly.

His parents precede him in death.

Calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren, OH 44483, where services will begin at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry officiating. All who know and love Michael are welcome to attend and celebrate his remarkable life.

His urn will be laid to rest in the church’s columbarium following services.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent at www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

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