Antonio E. “Tony” Cantu, Jr., 65, of Brownsville, Texas passed away on December 17, 2022. Tony was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, but spent most of his life in Brownsville. Tony was preceded in death by his mother, Cordelia “Dee” Cantu, and his grandparents, Elmer Leon and Edna May Dunnehoo, and Ambrosio, and Natalia Cantu.
Tony is survived by his family, Antonio E. “Henry” Cantu (Carrie Beth), Theresa Cantu-Garcia (Adrian), Colleen Cantu-Johnson (Gail), Kathleen Cantu-Estrada (Ben). His nieces and nephews, Eric Johnson (Katlyn), Nia Johnson-Dao (Robert), Analisa and Maya Estrada, were the light of his life. Tony graduated from Saint Joseph Academy in 1975, and went on to graduate from University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. After graduating from St. Thomas with a degree in psychology, Tony went on to pursue a lifelong career in education. Starting out as an adult education teacher, Tony quickly realized his passion for serving the less fortunate. He often spoke of the people he taught and shared how their stories lit a fire in his soul.
Tony knew then what he was meant to do. He became a 2nd grade teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, and then began his 40-year career at St. Joseph Academy. His family is finding comfort in hearing his past and present students talk about their experiences from retreat team, cheerleading, various drama productions, and peaceful protests at the U.S. Army School of the Americas, school liturgies, Style Show, and his true passion, his beloved Mission groups. Tony bravely traveled to Mexico and around the United States with the St. Joe Mission students to serve the less fortunate. He also served the wider Marist USA Province in numerous ways over the years including time in Liberia, representing them on Arco Norte Committees as well as in so many of their Evangelization and Service Programs. Tony dedicated his life to the service of others by living the example of St. Marcellin Champagnat and the Marist beliefs. Tony’s impact will forever be remembered.
The family would like to thank the Garza Memorial Funeral Home for their compassion during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in his name to one of three organizations near and dear to Tony’s heart.
1. St. Joseph Academy for the Marist school currently in the works in Liberia, and for a scholarship in his name.
2. The Diocese of Brownsville. Please earmark those funds for the seminary fund.
3. Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.