Aurelio Cantres

Aurelio "J.J." Cantres, 54, of New Haven, CT died suddenly on Thursday, September 11, 2025. J.J. was born in Chicago, IL on September 7, 1971, the beloved son of Candelario Cantres of Chicago and Camelia Rodríguez of New Haven.

J.J. was a soul who enjoyed many hobbies and always ensured his life had variety, from football to basketball to video games to spending memorable occasions with his nephews and the rest of his family. He always made sure to enjoy life to the fullest, and made sure that everyone around him did as well. In doing so, he was not only the best uncle, but also the greatest brother to his siblings, as well as an equally great friend to those who were blessed to know him. The energy he brought everywhere he went was nothing short of addictive and contagious, not to mention that he was an excellent domino player.

J.J. will be missed dearly by all in many, many ways, but above all else, he will never be forgotten. Jay will live on through the memories he left behind in the hearts and in the minds of all who loved him.

In addition to his parents, J.J. is survived by his son Jaidren Cantres and his partner Melisa Figaro of New Haven, two granddaughters, Jelissa and Jenaiah Cantres, three sisters, Elizabeth "Lisa" O'Connor and her husband José Jiménez of West Haven and their children William Rivera, Jr., and Ismael Ana Marie Rivera, Maria Cantres-Palacios of New Haven and her children Brandon and Daniel Rivera and Esther Ouquendo and her husband Juan Oquendo, also of New Haven and their children June and Jeremiah Oquendo and Wilson Jiménez, Jr. and Justin Jiménez. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

J.J.'s family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, September 16 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be private. washingtonmemorialfh.com