Obituary of Benjamin James "BJ" Cantele

Benjamin James "BJ" Cantele, 59, of Hudson, NY, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born July 19, 1961 in Hudson, NY, he was the son the late Benjamin E. Cantele and Eleanor (Baker) Cantele who resides in Philmont. BJ was a graduate of Taconic Hills High School, received his Associate's Degree in business from Columbia Greene Community College and went to trade school in Vermont for stone cutting. He was the owner of Cantele Memorials, Cantele Tent Rentals and Cantele Car Wash. His passion for rebuilding and collecting classic Corvettes won him numerous awards including Top Flight Bloomington Gold and the Duntov award. He was a lifetime member of the Mellenville Fire Company and an avid New York Yankee fan. Love isn't as much of what you say, but a lot of what we do. He was larger than life, but humble and kind. To his adoring wife, her rock and eternal love. To his children, their mentor and friend. To his grandkids, a gentle giant. To his friends and family, he was loyal and loving. He leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity to a fourth and fifth generation. As long as we breathe…… you'll be remembered. Besides his mother, he is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 34 years Mary F. (Costa) Cantele, his son James B. Cantele (Jamie) of Copake, NY his daughter: Meagan Cantele (Jason Welch) of Ghent, NY, two brothers: Timothy Cantele (Diane) of Hudson, NY and Brian Cantele (Tracy) of Ghent, NY, 4 grandchildren; Memphis, Colby, Tucker and Alayna and several nieces, nephews and cousins. At the family's request, funeral services and burial will be private. A celebration of BJ's life will be held at a later date. For those wishing, a contribution in his memory may be made to the Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414. Arrangements are under the direction of the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.