Alan Cantwell M.D. Jr.

1934 - 2021

BORN

1934

DIED

2021

Alan Cantwell Obituary

January 4, 1934 - January 1, 2021 Alan R. Cantwell Jr., M.D., physician and author, passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2021. He was cared for during his final illness by his devoted husband/partner of 46 years, Frank Sinatra.Dr. Cantwell was born in New York City to Alan R. Cantwell Sr., M.D. and Louise Danforth Cantwell. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, N.Y., received a B.A. from Cornell University and his M.D. from the New York Medical College.Following an Internship at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, Dr. Cantwell served 2 years as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, stationed in South Korea. After completing his military service he took a residency in Dermatology at the V.A. Hospital, Long Beach, CA and then practiced his specialty at Kaiser Permanente in Hollywood.Dr. Cantwell was always interested in research and throughout his career published many papers on dermatological problems. During the AIDS pandemic his interest concerning the many cases he was observing lead to a series of books on the subject which he authored and published through his own publishing company, Aries Rising Press. In addition to his husband, Dr. Cantwell is survived by his brother Howard D. Cantwell, M.D. (Linda) of Pasadena and his sister Louise Cantwell Finch of East Freetown, MA, and many loving nieces and nephews and dear friends.A fine pianist, good painter, generous host and a man devoted to his patients, Dr. Cantwell will be missed by all who knew him. At his request, there will not be a memorial service. Contributions in his name may be made to spcaLA or to the charity of your choice.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Jan. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Cantwell

11 Entries

Sandy Friloux

August 14, 2025

He was my dermatologist for many years. His kindness was so appreciated. He was very caring and a great doctor!

Craig Hackman

February 26, 2025

I am saddened by the loss of this brilliant researcher and doctor. Read all his books. Without him, truth dims.
Rest in peace!

Ron Falcone, Orlando

April 17, 2023

Alan and I began a long correspondence in 1988 that lasted into this century. We both shared a passion for resolving the "cancer microbe" controversy, and Alan spent many tedious hours generously helping and encouraging me with a manuscript. We had hundreds, maybe thousands of email chats over the years, about a wide range of things, and this included Alan's valuable support when our dog passed away. I'm sorry we lost touch in the last few years, but I know he fulfilled his mission here of boldly seeking the truth, and touching all who knew him. Rest well old friend.

Steve Siporin

May 31, 2022

Frank, if you are reading this I want you to know how bereft I am learning of Alan's passing and that I didn't keep in touch with you and him these last few years. Whenever I think of Alan I get a smile on my face. He truly was a friend I cherished. And F rank, I am so pleased that you were with him, able to take care of him as his days wound down. I know you loved him and he loved you, two lucky guys for almost a half century. We had some wonderful times together and I'm glad our days, our joys were so many!

Ginny Mariposa Dale

February 2, 2022

I wrote a screenplay inspired by Alan's AIDS research; we got to know one another through my interest in his work. I live in Santa Barbara, so we corresponded by email; his wry and often uproarious wit went well with mine; we became fast friends. He often spoke lovingly of Frankie, his darling husband. I will always miss him.

Kathy Roberts

February 1, 2022

Your courage, your mischievous humor, your erudition, and elegant hands I will surely miss.

henry Victoria

April 19, 2021

What of the few medical professionals who spoke the truth about AIDS. Such a brave man! Rest in Power my brother!

Thomas R Keske

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LA Virgo (Ginny Mariposa)

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Ginny Mariposa

January 14, 2021

He was my best friend in so many regards, always listening to my ups and downs, encouraging the ups and giving wise and witty advice on my downs. I loved him dearly as I'm sure many others did. Rest in peace, dear Alan.

Eric

January 10, 2021

I would like to start by thanking Frank and all Alan's family and friends for keeping him in a circle of Light. It was my very good fortune to meet Alan and Frank in 2019 while visiting Los Angeles. There are many aspects about him which I admire chief among them being his passion for truth, his love of humanity and the sparkling, spritely tone of his voice.

I'm just a fan who was gifted to meet one of their real life heroes. I'll never forget our fascinating conversations, moments of roaring comedy and the gracious nature of this one of a kind person. They don't make them like they used to.

Thank you for letting me into your life, Alan. There's always been more to you than anyone expects.

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