I still remember the day Paul showed-up at Brede, Inc, tool box in hand.  I was just a young kid at the time learning the exhibit business; I'm thinking this was late 70's or early 80's.  I clearly recall overhearing a phone conversation the old patriarch Lou Pohlman---who was company president at that time---was having with John Riebold, president of Brede's St. Paul operation.  Lou was gushing over the phone how we had gotten ourselves three "really good" carpenters (Bob Rauch, Lloyd Mitchell, and big Paul)recently.  Little did I know how right he was.  Paul, you were a true craftsman and a good guy; unquestionably one of my all-time favorite people I've met in the 36 years I've been in this industry.  But I think the greatest compliment I can pay you is this: you were a gentleman.  I'm sure you thought I was in over my head at times but you never let on.  We worked on some great projects together thru the years and I knew I could trust you.  I appreciate that my friend.  I truly do.  You were the genuine article.

I had the pleasure to work next to Paul for 5 years. We in the shop called him the Godfather because of the respect he deserved from being an honest and hardworking individual. Thanks for being a friend Paul.

Paul, You were fun to work with and
the Sign Shop at Heritage respected you for being a stand up guy. Loved your Rodney Dangerfield impression. Your family was #1 to you and they are blessed to have had such an awesome person to share their time. See ya next time around.

A good man has left us.  Marietta, so sorry for you and your family's loss.  You are right, they just don't make them like that any more.
Shelly and Family

Anna (and family)-
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Dear Marietta, Anna, Susie, Paulie and families,

My heart was saddened to hear of your loss.  I had the honor of knowing Paul and his family all of my life growing up in the neighborhood and he will truly be missed.  Our fond memories of him will be with us always and help us heal in this time of sorrow.  Heaven has gained another Angel and may God bless each and every one of you during this difficult time.

Anna and Mike

You are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. God bless you and take care.
Sue and Laurence Souers

Marietta and Family.  My deepest sympathy, love and prayers go out to all of you.  Marietta, we have so many fun memories growing up together, and Paul was one of them as well as my brother, Roy and Diann.  Remember the softball games almost every evening in Tower Grove Park?  We would wait for Paul, Tommy Rosa, and the other guys from the Hill, and you, Diann, Liz, Roy and myself would all join in for the fun.  Sodas at Fava's Confectionary - so many memories and they will always be with us as will Paul. His smile and laugh will live forever!  Love you, Mare!

Paul & Gina,

It is with great sadness that I learned of the loss of your father. Please accept my sympathy and know that you and your family are in our daily prayers. May Almighty God give you comfort, Rest, Peace and restore your Joy as you know that your father is in Heaven with our Lord. May you take comfort in knowing also that he is in a mansion place prepaired for him by Christ Himself and joined by his loved ones that preceeded him. 

God bless and keep you and yours always.

Anna, Mike, Madison & Jared, 
Although there is no greater love than one of a parent, know that he is now in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father and is at peace and will live forever in your hearts.  Please know that you all will be in our thoughts and prayers and if you need anything, please let us know.

Anna,
The thoughts and prayers of the Clayton West team are with you.  Let your wonderful memories help to ease your sorrow in this difficult time.
All our Love......Clayton West Team

Dear Marietta, Vince, Carol and Children,
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you all bear, just know that you are very close in all our thoughts and prayers. Paul was a wonderful, loving son and showed such great love to his mother.
God Bless and Peace be with you -
Your cousin, Cheryl Dunlap Kierst & Family

Anna and family I just wanted to express my condolences for your loss.  Please know my sympathy and well wishes go out to you and yours.

Dear Anna,
I'm so sorry about your loss.  There are so few people as funny and wise as your Dad.  He was a great man and I'll miss talking politics with him.  He will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Mr. Cantagi was a great source of ideas, strength and laughter.  You and your family are in our thoughts.
Your friend,
Susan

Anna,
Although no words can really help to ease your loss, know that you and your family are very close in our thoughts and prayers.  May your memories give you strength during this difficult time.

Anna, So sorry for your loss. The girls and i will miss seeing his smiling face at all the softball games.
Annette Miller and Girls

Marietta, Anna, Susie and Paul, so sorry about your loss. I know it's a hard thing to go through but with God's help you will. You all are in my prayers and thoughts.

Susie,  So sorry to hear of your loss.  I remember your Dad who was always a friend to all in the neighborhood and all the kids on the block.  His smiling face and helpful attitude will always be a fond memory to us all.  Mrs. Prichard

Dear Marietta, Susie, Anna, and Pauly,
I am broken, as I share your pain and sadness. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Cantagi family growing up. I too, remember so many Sunday drives in the back seat of that BIG White Cadillac, cruisin to the oldies. Countless nights trying to stop laughing, so we wouldn't wake him across the hall. I am blessed to have spent time with Paul and Marietta on Thanksgiving Day, 2007. Forever in the hearts of so many you touched!!
What a beautiful angel we have in heaven with a million dollar smile!! 
Love to All,
Melissa McGee Allen

Marietta,Vince and Family.  We were very sadden by the lost of Pauly.  We never had alot of time together but when we did it was always Great!  His smile and laugh was very contagious for everyone around him. Our thoughts are with all of you.  Love,Cousin Joey,Gary, Aunt Dorothy, Chris, and family

So sorry to hear about your loss. I have so many memories from my childhood at the Cantagi house, and I will always remember your Dad, sitting in his chair, going for icecream on Sunday drives in the big white Cadillac, watching Jokers Wild at 9 o'clock, and watching Anna race home at 4:30 following her Dad's sky blue car home for dinner. He will live forever in your heart and the hurt will become less and the memories of a wonderful husband and Dad will become stronger. My prayers are with you all, Marietta, Anna, Suzy and Pauly.

Jamie (one of the Reber girls)

OBITUARY

Paul Cantagi

21 June, 1941 – 17 October, 2010

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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