In Memoriam – Robert Cantor ‘68

The Cornell Hotel Society mourns the passing of Robert Cantor - Hotel ’68.

Robert had strong ties to CHS, the Hotel School, and Cornell.  He married Joyce Moye Cantor – Hotel ’67, and had two children that both attended Cornell:  Ari – Hotel ’05 and Rebecca – HumEc ’97.

Robert adored Dean Beck, Hotelie events, and spent time after college working at Hyatt International.  His son Ari shared the following story:

Upon graduation, the Hotel School saved Robert’s life:  At Cornell, Robert was in ROTC and had orders for the frontlines of Vietnam upon graduation (the height of the war).  A few weeks before graduation, a fellow Hotelie informed him that there was an opening to manage the officer’s club at an Army base in Arizona.  The club fell under the director of a two-star General who only wanted Cornell Hotelmen to run it.  Within days, Robert’s orders were changed and he and Joyce spent the next few years living in a trailer out west far from harm.

Robert loved the school, it’s brotherhood, and the unique trade skills it taught.  He was the influence behind Ari’s decision to study hospitality administration rather than economics or anthropology.

Contributions in his memory may be made the Parkinson's Foundation, (www.parkinson.org) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation (www.michaeljfox.org).

CHS thanks Ari Cantor ‘05 for his remembrances.