J Reeve Cantus, 84, a resident of Dorset, passed away September 8, 2023, at Equinox Terrace in Manchester Center, VT. He was born in Cedarhurst, NY on June 22,1939, the son of the late Howard and Eleanor (Hollister) Cantus. Reeve graduated from South Kent School in 1957, and Lafayette College in 1961.
Reeve married Esther F. Cruikshank in July 1961, in Garden City, NY. He entered the Executive Training Program at Hanover Bank in Manhattan that same year. Reeve and Essie moved to Brattleboro, VT in 1968. While there he completed the Graduate School of Credit and Finance Management at the Tuck School, Dartmouth College. He completed his banking career as the President of Woodstock National Bank, Woodstock, VT. Prior to coming to Dorset, Reeve and Essie lived in Hilton Head, SC where they owned and operated Pedals Bicycle Shop.
Reeve was a member of the Dorset Field Club, where he enjoyed golf, tennis and paddle tennis. He loved playing golf with his friends, and chaired many golf tournaments at the Basin Harbor Club with his extended family!
Reeve was a lifelong (suffering!) fan of the NY Giants and the New York Yankees. He was a member of the United Church of Dorset.
Reeve is survived by his wife Essie of Dorset, children William Reeve Cantus (Linda) of Gig Harbor, WA, Laura Cantus (Roger Reilly) of Colchester, VT and Wendy Sampson (Billy) of Hilton Head, SC, his brother Hollister Cantus (Barbara) of McClean, VA and grandchildren, Clare, Emma, Elizabeth and Ben.
The Reverend Doctor James Gray will officiate at a private graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Dorset. There will be no visiting hours. If friends desire, gifts in Reeve’s memory may be made to the Minister’s Relief Fund at the United Church of Dorset.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at the Equinox Terrace and Bayada Hospice Care for their loving care.