Yale Cantor

1928 - 2025

Yale Cantor
Yale Cantor, age 96, of Ellington, passed away peacefully, on March 28, 2025 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband for 67 years to the late Beryl (Rundbaken) Cantor who was always the love of his life.
Yale was born in Brooklyn, NY to Max and Bessie (Charney) Cantor on August 14, 1928. He was a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut majoring in political science with a Master's degree in science from Eastern CT State College and continued his higher education with a 6th year certificate in guidance from the University of Connecticut. He was a dedicated and enthusiastic fan of UCONN's men's and women's basketball.
Yale and Beryl raised two beautiful daughters, Miriam Cantor and Lisa Bateman (Stephen), and cherished grandchildren, Keith (Carly) and Stephanie Bateman, and great-grandson, Weston. Yale is also survived by his brother Solomon Cantor; and by numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his sister Florence and brothers, Bernard, Melvin, and Louis Cantor. We want to acknowledge the extraordinary care and commitment of Yale's Certified Nurse Assistant, Afua Akyea, in his final months.
Yale was a lifelong Ellington resident who was drafted into the army in 1954 serving two years honorably. He continued the family chicken business with his brother Melvin for 10 years, worked as a seasonal electrician with his brother Sol for 25 years and then pursued a rewarding career in education as a teacher and later a guidance counselor for 33 years. The Vernon Education Association elected him President for two terms. He was active in two Conn. Educ. Assoc. committees – Legislative Commission and member of Constitution Commission. He was the first accepted applicant in the Big Brothers of Greater Rockville. As Sue Stack said "We who know, love and respect Yale, think of him as a living and breathing recruiter of volunteers."
Yale was a dedicated public servant serving on the Ellington Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Human Services Commission, and Ad hoc Council for Developing Positive Youth Culture. He was a Justice of the Peace for over 40 years, and on the Board of Directors Hockanum Valley Community Council (nonprofit human services agency). He served over 60 years as a member of the Democratic Town Committee. Rep. Joseph Courtney, stated he was a "true blue friend and a passionate advocate for democracy, fairness, and civility." Nancy Wyman, former Lt. Gov., stated "his resume is as long as it is remarkable, and reflects an unparalleled commitment to the town of Ellington." He always felt it was extremely important to work together for the greater good of his town. For Yale's exceptional contribution to the community, he was nominated by Laurie Burstein with notable endorsements and inducted to the Ellington Wall of Honor in 2017, for which he felt extremely honored.
His passion for farming continued in his spacious home garden into his 90s. His love for classical music, which he shared with his wife, Beryl, took them far and wide to elder hostels and festivals and often to their beloved Tanglewood. They enjoyed every summer at Cape Cod delighting in the ocean.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom, 180 Still Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002, with Rabbi Debra Cantor officiating. Burial will follow immediately afterward at the Knesseth Israel/Ellington Jewish Cemetery, 95 Maple St. (intersection of Maple and Church St.), Ellington, CT 06029.
Following interment, the family will receive friends at the family home until 8:00 p.m. Friends will be received again on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Contributions in Yale Cantor's memory may be made to Hockanum Valley Community Council, 29 Naek Road, Vernon, CT 06066 or charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Association Inc., West Hartford. May his memory be a source of strength and a blessing.