Albert James Cantola, 89,of Niles died Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, Ohio.

Albert was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather whose life was centered around his family and his faith.

Born in Moween, Pa. on Feb. 17, 1922, Albert was the son of Pasquale and Ida Collelo Cantola. After attending school in Saltsburg, Pa., Albert began working in the coal mines in Westmoreland County.

In 1964, after 25 years as a coal miner, Albert moved his family to Niles and joined Local 66 of the Operating Engineers Union. He worked as a welder for Sharon Steel and other area mills until retiring in 1979. This year is Albert's 45th year as a member of Local 66.

Albert is of the Catholic faith and with his wife Rose Ann, has been a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles, Ohio for 47 years. Albert loved music and the outdoors, and prior to his illness, carpentry was always a favorite pastime.He was also a United States Army Veteran of World War II.

Albert will always be remembered and cherished by his family;his wife Rose Ann DeFalco Cantola whom he was united in marriage September 15, 1951 and shared 60 loving years together, two daughters Diane Kleese and her husband Edward and Donna Thomas and her husband Dayne;a son Albert Cantola Jr. and his wife Aimee, all of Niles; and grandchildren; Thomas, Larissa and Rae Cantola; Dana Thomas, Eddie and Andrea Kleese; Angela Anderson and her husband Adam; Alysia DeVries and her husband Nate; Amanda Skocik and her husband Mike; and two great-grandchildren, Allison Skocik and Luke DeVries.

Also surviving is a sister Ida Dixon of Apollo, Pa. and a bother Patsy Cantola of Monroeville, Pa.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Albert is preceded in death by three brothers; Dominic, William and Nick Cantola; and two sisters, Viola Sciotti and Rose Bowman. Friends may call Monday from 5 to 8PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where The Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 7:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00AM Tuesday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles with Fr. James Walker officiating, preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery where Albert will be honored for his military service by The Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.

Family and Friends can view this obituary, sign the guestbook, and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.