Richard A. Cantanzriti 1933-2025

Rich was born Feb. 19, 1933, in Youngstown, the son of Dominic and Mary Philipone Cantanzriti. He was a resident of the West Side of Youngstown until 1961, when he and his family moved to Campbell.

A proud graduate of Chaney High School in 1951, Rich later earned his degree in advertising from Youngstown State University in 1964.

He honorably served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army (37th Infantry Buckeye Division) during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.

Rich held several positions throughout his career, including working at Youngstown Sheet & Tube, where he served as a standard setter in the Industrial Engineering Department until the mill’s closure in 1977. He was most recently employed by East Ohio Gas Company as a meter reader, where he worked until his retirement in 2001.

He was a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Parish and recently Christ the Good Shepherd (St. John the Baptist) Parish in Campbell.

Rich was an avid sports fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren in their athletic pursuits. He was a die-hard Cleveland Browns supporter and followed his other favorite teams with equal enthusiasm, especially the Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers, Youngstown State Penguins and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Rich enjoyed gardening, golfing, drawing and painting, and he was proud to share his artwork with family and friends. Before his marriage in 1959 to the former Gertrude Repko, he attended the Pittsburgh Art Institute. He also loved taking photos with his old camera that he could never seem to get rid of, capturing moments that meant the most to him.

Together, Rich and “Babs,” as he affectionately called his wife, shared a love for dancing, scenic drives and peaceful walks through Mill Creek Park. He cherished the outdoors and often spent time relaxing and watching sunsets with his beloved wife of 65-plus years.

Even into his later years, Rich loved telling his children and grandchildren stories of his youth — always with a unique and amusing charm that was all his own. He also took pride in tending to a grapevine he had transplanted from his childhood home many years ago.

Rich will be deeply missed by his children, Rich (Kathy) Cantanzriti and Carolyn (Bobby) Lanzo; his grandchildren, Amy (Mike) Fedor, Lana (Johnny) Adams, Kiersten (Ryan) Meyer, Anthony Cantanzriti, Kayla Lanzo (fiance, Kevin Romaine) and Justin Lanzo; his great-grandchildren, Dylan, Carter and AJ; and many loving nieces and nephews. Known affectionately to many as “The Famous Mr. C” and “Everyone’s Grandpa,” his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Joe, Rudolph, William and Johnny; and his sister, Rose Pecchio.

The Cantanzriti family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Wasko Funeral Home.

Family and friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at the funeral home.

Prayers will be offered 11:30 a.m. Friday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at noon at Christ the Good Shepherd (St. John the Baptist) Catholic Church.

Interment will take place in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Mercy Health and 8 South Extension for its excellent and compassionate care; truly, they were a godsend to all of us.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view Rich’s obituary and send condolences to the family.

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