Edgar D. Cantwell Jr.

Cantwell, Edgar D. Jr. ALBANY Edgar D. Cantwell Jr., 80, of Albany, died Sunday, April 20, 2008 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. Edgar was born in Albany on April 4, 1928 to the late Edgar D. and Juliette (O'Connor) Cantwell, and was a lifelong resident of the city. A graduate of Vincentian Institute and Siena College, Edgar also pursued graduate studies at SUNY Albany. Mr. Cantwell began his career in public service as a caseworker with the Rensselaer County Department of Social Services before moving on to employment with the Child Protective Services Unit of the New York State Department of Social Services, where he was known as a tireless advocate for abused and neglected children. Edgar served his country with the Army in the Korean War and for his service in that conflict, he was awarded numerous medals, including the U.S. Korean Service Medal with four bronze campaign stars, the U.N. Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation awarded by the Republic of Korea. He was a member of the Korean War Veteran's Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Beloved husband for 49 years of Marilyn (Hebert) Cantwell, Edgar is also survived by two sons and their spouses, Michael (Cynthia Linder) Cantwell of Clifton Park and Daniel (Sarah) Cantwell of Albany; grandchildren, Molly and Daniel Jr. (DJ) Cantwell brought out the playful side of their "Grandpa Piano" and already miss him dearly. Edgar was also predeceased by his sister, Alice (Cantwell) Glasheen. An avid sports fan, Edgar never forgave the Dodgers for leaving Brooklyn and as a result adopted the Pittsburgh Pirates as his own and particularly admired ex-Bucs Bill Mazeroski and Roberto Clemente. The family would like to thank the staff at the St. Peter's ICU and Cardiac Care Unit for their expert care and thoughtfulness as his condition deteriorated. Funeral from the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Avenue, Albany, N.Y. on Thursday morning at 8:15 a.m., thence to Holy Cross Church, Western Ave. & Rosemont St., Albany, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Heart Association.