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About
Michael Cantu Obituary
Michael was known for his warm and gentle nature, always radiating kindness to those around him. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others and never met a stranger. His adoration for his wife and daughter was evident in every aspect of his life.
In his educational pursuits, Michael attended Marshall High School in San Antonio, Texas. He furthered his studies and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas.
Throughout his career, Michael held various engineering positions with several firms in the San Antonio area, contributing his expertise and passion to the field.
Outside of his professional life, Michael found joy in his hobbies. He loved playing golf, participating in marathons, and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. These interests brought him happiness and allowed him to unwind from the demands of everyday life.
A requiem mass will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 10 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church located at 2610 Perez Street in San Antonio, Texas.
Michael is survived by his wife, Tara, and their daughter, Michaela. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maria and David Cantu, his stepfather, Steve Walters, and his aunt, Dorothy.
In this time of grief, may Michael's memory be a source of comfort and may his warm spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michaela cantu
June 29, 2025
My dad was an angel on earth. You couldn´t find someone just as amazing as my dad.He could make you happy in a matter of seconds. The second you walked into a room a warm welcome was always included. He never failed to make anyone laugh or smile. I will for eternity love and cherish my dad forever. One of my personal favorite memory´s is when we used to go to the park all the time, or when he´d dance with me. He´d drop anything for anyone,thats something that makes him an amazing person. I can´t put into words how much I miss and love him. He loved everyone so much,to him no body was a stranger. He never failed to be a great engineer,friend,brother,cousin,uncle,
Husband,and most importantly a dad. With me knowing he´s at peace I´m happy and I know that when I do pass away some day I´ll have someone to look forward to seeing. My friends all think of him as a second dad. My dad is kind,caring,sweet,smart,hilarious,humorous,amazing,his heart was made out of gold. His soul as clear as daylight. I´ve never met a more caring,sweet,and true person as my dad. I´m so thankful for everyone´s support and everyone´s goodbyes.Even the smallest things mean so much.God bless you all.
Aida
April 27, 2025
Michael may you rest in peace. The years that I had known you, you a very kind person. Your grandmother Marie( my best friend and a second mom to me) spoke so highly of you and your family. I know you´re with both parents that loved so much in heaven. Give them a big hugs from me. Aida.
Abby H
March 4, 2024
We all loved Michael very much. He was a great neighbor. It's hard to believe he's gone. We will always remember our conversations with him walking the dogs, loving on Lox, seeing him riding in his golf cart, his Christmas decorations, amazing Fourth of July celebrations, taking care of his house, and spending time with Michaela. Wishing you both peace, and I sure wish I were there to give Michaela a hug.
Christopher
February 25, 2024
I had opened the bar that Saturday after driving downtown in the opposite direction of heavy traffic, something that particularly valued about working at night. I entered the bar and immediately smelled stale beer and cigarettes; I smelled other things too, but I didn´t like to dwell on those. Before opening duties, I looked at the schedule to see who was working with me. It´s Mikey. "Good," I thought "I could use a night of jokes and laughter." Honestly, I liked everybody I work with. We worked well together and looked out for each other. Everyone also had their own particular benefit to the night. Ernest could make anyone feel relaxed. Bob could tell you the recipe of any drink or, if he didn´t know, he could tell you how to fake it. Shredder could make drinks, stock the bar, take out the garbage, clean the bottles, and be everywhere at once so well that-even when he wasn´t-it seemed like he was. Susan brought a sense of calm to the bar even when customers weren´t. and Mikey? Mikey could make you laugh.
I continued with opening duties. I counted the cash, set up the tip jars, wipe the bottles down, cut some fruit, uncovered the bottles, tested the taps, and pretended to look like I knew what I was doing. After a few hours of light business, happy hour music, and watching the Sun´s light fade from the buildings and the sky, I heard Mikey trading barbs and laughs with the door staff and wait staff. No one was immune to his playful insults and charming smile- and everyone was fair game. He was at once sarcastic and warm, sardonic and sweet, a jester and a friend.
"Mikey!"
"What´s up Shagadelic?"
I had a lot of hair. It was shaggy- not a pretty kind of shaggy, but just a shaggy kind of shaggy.
I smiled knowing that the hours would fly by tonight. After all, Mikey had a way of making you forget that this was actual work. He´d say, "This job would be great if it wasn´t for the customers" stealing a quote from Clerks. While I was making drinks in the service well, I peered back over my shoulder and saw Mikey laughing and BS-ing with the customers. He might get annoyed by them at times, but he knew how to make them welcome. I think he enjoyed that.
After I left the bar, I missed a lot of things and some things I didn´t miss at all. I did miss working with Mikey. I never seriously thought I would return to the bar business - at least I didn´t think I would return a second time. There were something more profound about that loss now. Even if by some radical improbability I wanted to return to the bar, and even by some lesser probability somebody would actually hire me, I´ll never be able to work with Mikey again-at least not on this side of eternity.
Goodbye Mikey. Thank you. I hope to see you again.
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Chevin Malia Gladden
February 12, 2024
I'll always remember Mikey's ability to make anyone laugh. I had the joy of working with him at Swig Martini Bar in the late 90s, along with his then girlfriend Tara (aka TK, Teeker) who later became his wife. Mikey left Swig and went to work at Howl at the Moon and the Swig staff and Howl staff, as well as many other River Rats on the South Bank, were like family. I carried a disposable camera with me at all times and have so many pictures of any and all of us doing all sorts of things. Mostly though, I'll remember how much he loved Tara. While we all drifted apart, I never forgot TK or Mikey. I'm happy to have known him.
Coleen Socha
February 7, 2024
My favorite memory of Mike was our first meeting . I had never met him before and he was newly dating Tara . He came to pick me up for a surprise birthday party for my sister . I found him warm , kind, funny, and relatable . The end of the night I told Tara . I am getting a feeling this guy is your person . I have this feeling you are going to marry him . Well ... los and behold a few years later , I was a bridesmaid in their wedding . I am going to miss my dear brother in law. I feel like holidays at my house where we all gathered will never be the same .
I know Michael will continue to shine his bright light from above .
Nathan Anderson
February 1, 2024
Mike was the epitome of Mark 12:31, love your neighbor as yourself. I cannot count the number of times we shared a laugh, bounced project ideas off of each other, or just watched our kids play together while we talked about God, family and life. He was one of the most giving human beings I´ve ever had the honor of knowing. A true legend. If you were to walk through his door you would immediately be offered something to eat or drink. He would also never hesitate to lend a helping hand or leave a need unmet. His love for his family was second to none and he was the best neighbor you could ever ask for. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Damon Chapa
January 29, 2024
The one and very true thing I can say about Mike is that he loved and cherished his daughter so much that at times he questioned what he could do to be a better father. Mike seemed to want to do whatever it took to be the best dad he possibly could. When thinking about Mike his daughter comes to mind and when I see his daughter playing or walking with friends Mike comes to mind. When I saw him from time to time I would inquire as to how and what he was doing for the day and not one time did he NOT reply with "waiting for my daughter to get home then going to ask her what she would like for dinner".
( He was so excited to see her, she was his life)
No matter what Mike had planned his daughter came first! Mike is and was what every father should strive to be for his child, dedicated and loving father.
I would like to see and speak to you one more time my friend just one more time.
Lisa Mulroy
January 29, 2024
Mike´s big, boisterous laugh and his incredible bear hugs will be greatly missed. You always felt like he was truly interested in what you were saying to him. His wit, charm and fun loving nature was infectious. But most of all, it was incredible to see the love and adoration he had for his daughter. She was his world and it was beautiful.
Elias Conkling
January 28, 2024
His smile. No matter where we were or what we were doing, he always wore a smile on his face. He never met a stranger and he always made people feel welcome. He loved to make people laugh, and he was really good at it. I´ll always cherish those memories with him.
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