Francis J. Cantrel

Francis John Cantrel, 94, of Adamstown, MD, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.  He was the husband for nearly 50 years of the late Nancy Coleman Cantrel, who preceded him in death in 2001.   Born March 6, 1924, in Washington D.C., he was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine Cantrel.   Frank attended Gonzaga College High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.   He saw action in Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa with the Second Marine Division.  After his military service, he graduated from Georgetown Preparatory School, Georgetown University and Georgetown School of Law.  His professional career was one of public service.  He served at the United States Tax Court for many years, first as Assistant Clerk of the Court and later as a Special Trial Judge. He is survived by his four children, Frank Cantrel Jr. and wife Anne, Cynthia Cantrel, Kathleen Cantrel, and Julie Dennis and husband Ray, as well as his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.   A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, January 24 at 10:45 a.m. at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church in Bethesda, MD.   A reception for family and friends will follow immediately afterwards at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase.  Internment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Class of 1944 Endowed Scholarship Fund at Gonzaga College High School, 19 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC  20001. Arrangements by the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, Frederick; please visit Mr. Cantrel's online memorial by going to www.keeneybasford.com