POINTE-CLAIRE – Residents of Pointe-Claire are mourning a long time resident and city worker who died suddenly two weeks ago. Born and raised in Pointe-Claire, Larry Cantello died suddenly of a massive heart attack on February 9.
Cantello was a very popular city employee and his death has spurred people into action to help his wife and three young children.
Cantello worked at the Pointe-Claire Aquatic Centre where long faces everywhere show the sadness people are now feeling. “Everyone is walking around so glum and sad and missing a good friend,” said T.J. O’Donnell. “No one’s the same, ” she added, “everyone is usually happy here.”
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A makeshift memorial with a book of condolences has sprung up on the wall of the aquatic centre staff room, an outpouring of love and caring from the people who Cantello touched every day at work.
Cantello was the kind of guy that people relied on. He was always there to help. Always had a kind word for other people. And he knew almost everyone in town. Now the people of Pointe-Claire are rallying to help the family he left behind.
Angie Branston is a close family friend. “Everyone looked up to him as someone who was helpful and kind and caring,” she told Global News.
Cheryl Lafrance is a Pointe-Claire resident who wanted to help. She sent out an email asking friends to provide food for the family to help them through these difficult days. Within 10 hours she had answers from 60 people offering to help.
Another group is raising money through a YouCaring.Com website. Their goal is to raise $10,000 to help the family through the first few months without Larry.
Employees at the aquatic centre have launched a fundraiser of their own. They hope to be able to send the family on a long promised trip to Disney.
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