Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Col. Nicholas Dennis Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) 
April 22, 1935 – April 29, 2014
 

Colonel Nicholas Dennis Cantwell,U.S. Air Force (Ret.), age 79, of Edgewater, MD, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 29, 2014. His devoted wife Janice and three children were at his side. 
Col. Cantwell retired in 1996 from Lockheed Martin where he managed a crucial contract in support of upgrades to the FAA’s Air Traffic Control system. A decorated Air Force veteran, Col. Cantwell retired after a distinguished 25 year career with the U.S. Air Force. Col. Cantwell was awarded the Air Force Systems Command Outstanding Contracting Management Award for three consecutive years and served as the Chief of the Aircraft Procurement Division for the B-1 Bomber. He was cited for his initiative and persistence in contract management resulting in outstanding support to our armed forces worldwide. Col. Cantwell earned a Master’s degree from Auburn University and was a 1973 graduate of the U.S. Air Command and Staff College.
 
Nick, an avid reader and classic movie buff, was known for his encyclopedic memory of movie lines, sports trivia and historical facts. A semi-pro second baseman recruited by the Milwaukee Braves, Nick was selected for ROTC and graduated from St. Joseph’s University in 1957. While attending St. Joe’s, Nick managed the 1956-57 Hawks’ basketball team coached by Jack Ramsay who died one day earlier than Nick. 

Nick was a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Golf Course, Military Officers Association of America, the Air Force Association and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Edgewater, MD. Nick enjoyed cruising during retirement.
 
Born at home in Roebling, NJ on April 22, 1935, Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Agnes Cantwell. He is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Janice; three devoted children, Karen, Cynthia (Joseph) Donohoe and Michael (Mary); six grandchildren Daniela, Brian, Shannon, Patrick, William and Maeve. He is also survived by his sisters Eileen Cantwell and Nancy Dix; two nephews Michael and James Dix and many cousins.
 
The family invites relatives and friends to a visitation at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, May 3 from 4 to 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial and interment with Full Military Honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
 
Mass Cards or donations to Hospice of the Chesapeake (hospicechesapeake.org) or Our Lady of Perpetual Help (olph.net) would be appreciated.

Nicholas Cantwell

Nicholas Cantwell

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