July 21 1935 December 1 2019
Elwood (Woody) Jay Cantando, passed away peacefully at His home on December 1, 2019 with his family by his side in Pleasant Hill, California. He was 84 years old. Woody was born in Albany, California to Ralph Hendricks and Marie Campbell. When Woody was very young, his mother Marie married James Cantando who adopted and raised Woody as his own son. They lived together in Oakland, California along with his 2 sisters, Lois Jean and Betty Lou. Growing up, Woody spent many summers with family friends who lived on a farm in Stockton, California where he would tend to the animals and help with chores. Woody often said those were some of his best memories growing up. Woody attended Berkeley High School and then joined the US Army. After returning home from his 2 year service in Korea, he met and later married Margaret Jones in December of 1956. They lived in Oakland until 1961 when they bought their forever home in Pleasant Hill to raise their 3 children. They were married for 45 years. Woody proudly worked as a Union Butcher for Miller Meat Packing in Oakland, retiring after 41 years of service. Woody thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed sailing his Catamaran, Big Band Swing and Jazz music, watching football games on Sunday, and BBQ’s by the pool with family and many friends. He enjoyed life to the fullest and instilled the importance of family values and respect for others within his children. He was devoted to his family and took great care of his wife Margaret until her death from cancer in May of 2000 at age 61. After Margaret’s passing, Woody shared a loving relationship with Linda Moody. They have enjoyed each other’s company for the past 20 years taking many road trips, building intricate puzzles, spending time with each other’s children and grand children, and so much more. Woody is survived by his sons James Cantando of Redding, Allan Cantando of Brentwood, his daughter Lori Cantando of Antioch, his grandchildren James Cantando, Stephanie Cantando, Nick Cantando, Jessica Ponte, Michelle Ponte, Connor Cantando, partner Linda Moody, and sister Lois Jean of San Lorenzo. Woody was preceded in death by his father James Cantando, his mother Marie Campbell, his sister Betty Lou Sanders, and wife Margaret. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 3, 2020. Donations may be sent in loving memory to Kaiser Hospice Care.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elwood Woody Cantando July 21 1935 December 1 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Lafayette, state: California