Obituary of Donald Cantaloupi

Donald "Don" Robert Cantaloupi, 66, of Stockton, entered into rest, June 6, 2003, after a sudden illness. He was born in Stockton on November 30, 1936, the son of Amiel Steven and Maida Cantaloupi. Don grew up in Stockton, where he attended local schools. He was a graduate of Stockton High School, Class of 1955. After high school, he continued his studies at Delta College, where he attained an Associate in Arts degree. In 1957, at the age of 21, Don began his career as a firefighter with the Stockton Fire Department, fulfilling his dream of a profession in public service. On February 12, 1960, Don married the love of his life, Jackie Errecalde, in Carson City, Nevada. Together, they made their home in Stockton, and where blessed with four children. Aside from his devotion to his beloved family, fire fighting was his passion through life. He quickly ascended through the ranks, gaining the respect of subordinates, peers and superiors, and attained various administrative positions, including engineer, Fire Captain, and ultimately becoming Fire Battallion Chief, a position he held until his retirement in 1991, after 34 years of service. Don thoroughly enjoyed his retirement, doing things he liked most. He was devoted family man who enjoyed dedicating quality time to his wife, children and grandchildren. He also cherished the company of old-time friends and neighbors. Don loved to spend time in his garden, restoring automobiles, and racing Nascar cars and Enduro motorcycles. Don is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jackie Cantaloupi of Stockton; two daughters, Vicki Schmierer and Toni Jump, both of Lodi; two sons; Donald "Donnie" Cantaloupi of Stockton and Cory Cantaloupi of West Hollywood; five granbchildren, Jeni and Melissa Schmierer, and Broc, Blake and Luke Jump, all of Lodi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Amiel and Maida Cantaloupi, and his sister, Arlene Caminata, who entered into rest on February 2001. Friends are invited to join in a Celebration of Life Service, at 1:00 P.M., on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Avenue in Lodi. Deacon Donald Bo of St. Anne's Catholic Church, officiating. Interment will be private. A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com. To honor Don's memory, contributions may be made to the Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund, P.O. Box 692201, Stockton, CA 95269. Lodi Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements.