Obituary for Michael J Cantella
CANTELLA, Michael J. passed away peacefully under hospice care at Winchester Hospital on November 28, 2022 after a long illness. Beloved husband of the late Regina (Mitchell) Cantella. Loving father to Regina Campbell and her husband Jan Pechenik and Mary Ellen Croteau and her husband David Croteau, all of Winchester. Devoted Papa to Anna (Scott) Bradley, Sarah Campbell, Michael (Charlotte) Croteau, Emily (Robert) Gearon, and Isabel Croteau. Loving Great-Papa to Caroline Croteau, brother of Grace Maiello and the late Vera Sanclementi. Michael was predeceased by his parents Sadie (Bertone) Cantella and Joseph Michael Cantella.
Michael was born in Wanaque, NJ on October 24,1932, lived in Wanaque, and graduated from Butler HS in 1950. He attended both undergraduate and graduate schools on full Navy Scholarships. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an Ensign from the US Navy in 1954. He served in the US Navy as an Electronics Officer on two aircraft carriers from 1954-1957. He also received a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1958 while working as a research assistant at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He worked at RCA Corporation from 1959-1984 where he pioneered development of systems for space surveillance, night vision, laser target designation, electro-optics countermeasures, and real-time reconnaissance. Michael retired at age 82 after working at Lincoln laboratory from 1984-2014. While at Lincoln Laboratory, he worked in the Aerospace Division specializing in performance analysis, testing of electro-optical systems for space and ground surveillance, tactical imagining, theater missile defense, and missile guidance. He developed and characterized visible and InfraRed imaging devices in the laboratory and in the field. He holds five US Patents and authored over 40 publications.
In his spare time, Michael was a music enthusiast as a listener and played piano, guitar, and harmonica. He sang with the St. Eulalia Choir for 30 years. He also constantly puttered in his home wood and electronics work shop.
Michael will be remembered for his incredible mind, strength, work ethic, and love for his family.
At the family’s request we ask that you please practice social distancing guidelines during the services. New face masks will be made available at the funeral home for all attendees. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.Visitation will be held at Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main St. Winchester, December 7th from 9-10:30 AM followed by a funeral Mass at St. Eulalia Church at 11am and Interment after. The Mass can be viewed at Live Stream. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Michael J. Cantella may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice, via giving.caredimensions.org
Michael was born in Wanaque, NJ on October 24,1932, lived in Wanaque, and graduated from Butler HS in 1950. He attended both undergraduate and graduate schools on full Navy Scholarships. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an Ensign from the US Navy in 1954. He served in the US Navy as an Electronics Officer on two aircraft carriers from 1954-1957. He also received a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1958 while working as a research assistant at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He worked at RCA Corporation from 1959-1984 where he pioneered development of systems for space surveillance, night vision, laser target designation, electro-optics countermeasures, and real-time reconnaissance. Michael retired at age 82 after working at Lincoln laboratory from 1984-2014. While at Lincoln Laboratory, he worked in the Aerospace Division specializing in performance analysis, testing of electro-optical systems for space and ground surveillance, tactical imagining, theater missile defense, and missile guidance. He developed and characterized visible and InfraRed imaging devices in the laboratory and in the field. He holds five US Patents and authored over 40 publications.
In his spare time, Michael was a music enthusiast as a listener and played piano, guitar, and harmonica. He sang with the St. Eulalia Choir for 30 years. He also constantly puttered in his home wood and electronics work shop.
Michael will be remembered for his incredible mind, strength, work ethic, and love for his family.
At the family’s request we ask that you please practice social distancing guidelines during the services. New face masks will be made available at the funeral home for all attendees. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.Visitation will be held at Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main St. Winchester, December 7th from 9-10:30 AM followed by a funeral Mass at St. Eulalia Church at 11am and Interment after. The Mass can be viewed at Live Stream. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Michael J. Cantella may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice, via giving.caredimensions.org