Former Rockville Centre resident celebrates 100th birthday

Richard John Cantwell’s 100th birthday was celebrated at the Knights of Columbus banquet facility in Oceanside on Oct. 6. Over 80 family members and friends helped Richard celebrate with cocktails and a luncheon, followed by champagne and birthday cake.

Cantwell’s family moved to Princeton Road, Rockville Centre, in 1928. He graduated from St. Agnes in 1930 and later attended St. John’s University. He married Monica Isabel Desnoes, his high school sweetheart, in 1935.

Cantwell’s family moved to Oceanside in 1938 and lived on Evergreen Avenue where they raised three children, Margaret Mary Cantwell Austin, Richard Joseph Cantwell and Francis Peter Cantwell.

Monica, his wife of 62 years, passed away in 1997. Over the years he has made many close friends that he enjoys today.