- Date Of Death: June 4, 2007
- State: Pennsylvania
Louis E. Cantelmi, 83, of Bethlehem, was surrounded by family and friends when he passed away peacefully, Monday, June 4, 2007, St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill. He was the husband of Lillian (Zamiskie) Cantelmi for 53 years. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Placido A. “Patsy” Cantelmi, Julia (Bene) Cantelmi and Isabella (Piermatteo) Cantelmi. As the second generation owner/operator of 85-year-old Cantelmi’s Hardware in South Bethlehem, “Louie” as he preferred to be called, helped build the family business, where he worked since he was 6 years old. He spent his entire life ensuring the business would succeed, and after he retired, Louie continued to visit Cantelmi’s daily, never failing to greet customers with his vibrant, willing to serve demeanor. His unending love for family, friends and the Lord was immeasurable, as was his respect for others. “It costs nothing to be nice,” is how Lou lived his life and operated popular Cantelmi’s, where he gained respect by all who were acquainted with his generous and polite spirit. Louie was instrumental in increasing the original retail site at 507 East Fourth Street to three times its original size. He also helped with the acquisition of the new location of Cantelmi’s in Forks Township. Louie will also be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, humor, fashion sense, and passion for history and current affairs. He was a member of Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Church in Bethlehem (he was also a member of Holy Infancy for many years) and was a loyal St. Louis Cardinal Fan. Survivors: he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by wife Lillian at home; sons Richard L. Cantelmi and his wife Rose of Bethlehem, Philip M. Cantelmi and his wife Linda of Denver, N.C; daughter Tina Bradford and her husband Geoff of Bethlehem; sisters Geraldine Burke of Bethlehem, Isabel Collen and her husband Jerry of Greensboro, N.C.; brother Dino P. Cantelmi and his wife Karen of Fountain Hill; grandchildren Alex, Patrick, Dana, Natalie and Christina Cantelmi and Laurence and Isabelle Bradford; nieces and nephews.
