Frederick "Rick" C. Cantone

Frederick C. “Rick” Cantone, 64, of Derry, New Hampshire, passed away on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Lynn, he is the beloved son of Eleanor (Merenda) McHarg and the late Keith F. Cantone.

Affectionately known as Rick, he grew up in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School.  He worked for many years for the City of Melrose as a Civil Engineer, until his retirement in 2021. 

Rick had a deep affinity for the blues and was an exceptionally talented musician.  He played the saxophone and keyboard.  He performed with the Back Alley Band, Roadhouse, The Big Blues Meanies and the Bluehemians.  Rick’s talents also had him opening twice for B.B. King.  He enjoyed entertaining, and you could always find him playing his music at his many parties. 

Rick was a deeply spiritual person, extremely loyal and had a great sense of humor.  Rick loved to tell stories, especially about the good old days.  Rick was a social and loving person, he not only loved his family and many friends, but the love was returned. His greatest joy and happiness came from his children.  Rick’s daughters and grandchildren were always number one in his life.  Rick will be truly missed by his loving family and his many friends. 

He is the loving significant other of 22 years to Lynda Marlowe of Derry, NH.  Devoted father of Jennifer Cantone and her partner Mattias Kasparian of Nashua, NH and Elizabeth Cantone and her fiancé Derek Howes of Salem, NH.  Cherished grandfather of Sophia Palladino and Daniel Espinosa.  Beloved brother of Patty Hardacre and her partner Dave Silva of Windham, NH, Sandra Cantone of Clearwater, FL, Edward McHarg of North Reading and the late Glen Cantone.  He is the loving uncle to nieces and nephews: Jace, Erin, Richard, Jonathan and April.  Rick also leaves behind his faithful dog Nick, along with many dear friends. 

A Funeral Service will be held at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading, (at the corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading line) on Tuesday, March 15th at 11:30am.

Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the funeral home on Monday, March 14th from 4 to 8pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rick’s Memory to the American Diabetes Foundation at www.diabetes.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick "Rick" C. Cantone, please visit our floral store.