Stanley A. Canton

Stanley Alexander Canton, 71, of Owings Mills, Maryland, passed away peacefully at Gilcrest Hospice, Towson, MD. Stanley lived a rich life filled with love, service, adventure, and quiet strength.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Stanley was the beloved only son of Hilda Canton. From humble beginnings, working as a messenger for New York Life and assembling chairs in a factory, he went on to join the U.S. Navy, an experience he often credited with changing the course of his life. There, he trained as a cryptologic technician and spent much of his service in Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico. His time in the Navy gave him purpose, discipline, and the foundation for his lifelong passion for travel and service.
Following his military service, Stanley went on to build an accomplished career as a Contracts Manager, serving with distinction at TRW Inc., the United Nations, U.S. Small Business Administration and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) where he was a commissioned Foreign Service Officer. His work took him around the globe-living and working in Haiti, Switzerland, Kosovo, Egypt, Thailand, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh-broadening both his worldview and his circle of friends.
Stanley held both a B.S. and an MBA from the University of Baltimore and was widely respected for his intellect, integrity, and calm demeanor. While his professional achievements were many, Stanley always said his two best decisions in life were joining the U.S. Navy-and marrying the love of his life, Tricia.
Stanley was a man of many passions. An avid art collector, he surrounded himself with beautiful oil paintings, textiles, and sculptures. A lifelong sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the New York Giants and Knicks. In his younger years, he was a dedicated tennis player and runner. He was also a true music lover, maintaining an impressive collection of over 300 vinyl albums, with favorites including Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, and Natalie Cole.
Above all, Stanley was a devoted family man. His greatest joy came with the birth of his twin sons, Alexander and Benjamin, who were the pride and joy of his life. He cherished his family deeply, especially his sisters, whom he adored. His eldest sister Ruth, now departed, was like a second mother to him, while Marva and Vessie were his lifelong best friends. Stanley is survived by his loving wife, Tricia; sons Alexander and Benjamin; sisters Marva Bigelow and Vestline Williams; nieces Debra Greene, Patricia Brooks, Denise Cunningham, Ellitia Watson, Dinah Taylor, Rena Williams, and Bennitta Edmeade; nephews Ernest Brooks and Rodney Williams; and a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends. He also leaves behind his cherished dog Tiffany, a constant and loyal companion.
Stanley will be remembered for his quiet wisdom, warm smile, deep love for family, and unwavering integrity. Though he has left this world, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he helped create.