In Loving Memory of My Brother, Francisco “Pancho” Cantu Jr.
December 27, 1970 – December 14, 2024
It is with deep sorrow and profound love that I share the passing of my older brother, Francisco Cantu Jr. He left us unexpectedly on December 14, 2024, just shy of his 54th birthday. His passing came as a shock to all of us, even though he had been quietly battling health issues—many of which stemmed from his time in military service.
Pancho was many things to many people—a proud Air Force veteran, a father, a son, and to me, a steady and loyal brother. Born to our parents, Francisco and Graciela Cantu, he lived a life shaped by strength, quiet resilience, and deep compassion. From an early age, Pancho was rebellious, energetic, and always on the move. He was constantly active in sports, with a deep love for basketball that stuck with him throughout his life. Whether he was playing pickup games with friends or shooting hoops on his own, basketball gave him both joy and focus.
As a military dependent growing up, he moved often and faced the unique challenges of military family life. He remained under our parents’ roof through his high school years and into adulthood, right up until the time he joined the United States Air Force—a decision that would ultimately shape the course of his life.
He served his country with pride, spending years in honorable service before retiring as a decorated veteran. His time in uniform left a lasting mark—not just in medals or memories, but in his character: steadfast, disciplined, and devoted to something greater than himself.
Frank took pride in being a father to his three children—Francisco III, Angelina, and Matteo. Like any parent, he faced challenges, but his love for his children never wavered. It was evident in the way he spoke about them and in his desire for their happiness and success.
His relationship with our family, like many, had its ups and downs. But at the heart of it, he cared deeply. He remained connected to us in his own way, and his presence—through shared memories, laughter, and the quiet understanding that only comes with family—will always be with us. To Amanda and me, he was our big brother. Sometimes distant, but always dependable when it mattered most.
Pancho had a unique sense of humor—subtle, sometimes dry, always genuine. His kindness often came in quiet gestures, never seeking recognition but always appreciated. He was the kind of person you could count on, and his absence leaves a space that words can’t quite fill.
Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit is deeply rooted in the lives he touched. His memory will live on in our hearts, in our stories, and in the legacy of love and strength he leaves behind.
Pancho was laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas—a place of honor for a man who served with integrity and heart.
Rest easy, brother. You were loved beyond measure, and your memory will always be a light in our lives.
Cantu 3D Studio 