Carmine Cantalino

On September 29, 2017, New York City Police Department Captain Carmine Cantalino succumbed to illness that he developed following his response to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He immediately responded and insisted on being present to render aid to all who needed it. He was exposed to toxic dust that resulted in a fatal lung condition as he continued to work at Ground Zero. He followed his instincts to lead and protect, with no thought about himself. Captain Carmine Cantalino served with the NYPD for 25 years and was 61 years old. 

Born in Naples, Italy, Cantalino immigrated to the United States in 1970, at the age of 14. He spent the next 46 years of his life making America his new, truly loved home. He developed a strong patriotic sense of duty. He graduated from John Jay College in New York with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He was the first member of his family to earn a college degree, something he was very proud of. He joined the NYPD in November 1979 and began his career on patrol in the 77 Precinct in Brooklyn. During his career, he also served in the 61, 62 and 72 Precincts, the Internal Affairs Bureau, Field Control Division, Patrol Borough Manhattan South, and the Detective Bureau Manhattan South. While Captain, Cantalino also served as the Executive Officer of the 10 and 62 Precincts. He was promoted to Sergeant in January 1986, Lieutenant in May 1994, and Captain in July 1998. As a Lieutenant, he was Commanding Officer of the 26 Detective Squad and then Administrative Lieutenant in the 79 Precinct. He was recognized five times for Excellent Police Duty, once for Meritorious Police Duty, and was a recipient of a Commendation award. He retired from the 62 Precinct on February 16, 2003, a true patriot who was honored to serve his city and his country. He did it his way and no one else’s. He was a bold man with a large, courageous heart. 

Cantalino married his wife, Jacqueline, and raised six children together. He loved his family unconditionally, devoting much of his spare time to fishing, golfing and coaching soccer teams throughout Staten Island. He taught many youths to never give up, to have discipline, to grow in character, and always have courage. As a husband, father, coach, mentor and police officer, he was truly a man of integrity, humor, courage and wisdom. 

Captain Carmine Cantalino is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline, and six children: Cheryl, Pasquale, Anthony, Kelly, Marie Elena and Sofia. He is also survived by his mother, Sofia, his eight grandchildren, and many other loving family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Cantalino family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.