Joseph Frederick Cantwell

Joseph “Joe” Cantwell, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He was a father, friend, brother, colleague, husband and trailblazer. He will be missed by his family, friends and the communities he served with selfless dedication. Joe was born on September 8, 1946 in Oneonta, New York and grew up in Hobart, NY. He graduated from The New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University (today called SUNY ESF) with degrees in Forestry and Civil Engineering. After college, he served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps. He moved to Douglasville, GA with his beloved wife Karen Cantwell where they raised their two sons, Mark and Michael. Joe worked for John D. Stephens over 40+ years, where he built roads and interstates, runways (Atlanta airport), pipeline and rock excavation projects, quarries and landfills, and the impressive 5-mile-long Hartsfield Airport fifth runway conveyor system.

Joe met his wife of four years, Patti O’Dell Cantwell, in 2016. They married on October 15, 2022, and packed in as many adventures as possible in their ten years together traveling, boating, fishing, rafting, hiking and living life with gusto. Joe “retired” and lived on Lake Blue Ridge in Morganton, GA.

Kind. Generous. Selfless. Hard-working. Honest. Cheerful. Joe possessed the attributes of a great man. He loved his family with every ounce of his being. His generosity was boundless. He loved to pick up the tab for young couples in restaurants, always anonymously. He umpired high school baseball for 50 years. Prior to the start of each season, he dusted off his “out” and “safe” calls for Patti in the living room. He served as the Trail Maintenance Director for the Benton MacKaye Trail Association and, in his seventies, could hike 15 miles or more with 30 pounds of clearing equipment on his back, grab a bite to eat, and go for a boat ride or attend a social event all in the same day. Delivering books, hats and gloves to the Head Start program in Appalachia in his role on the board at the Craddock Center brought Joe great joy. In honor of his first wife, Karen, he paid the royalties for many Sunny D Children’s Theater productions at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. He was engaged in the remodeling project for Gilmer Arts in Ellijay at the time of his passing. Joe quietly and humbly gave his all in everything he did, never seeking attention or the kudos he so deserves.

Joe is survived by his wife, Patti O’Dell; son, Mark Cantwell, wife Fran Putkey and granddaughter Lauren Cantwell; son, Michael Cantwell, wife Laura and grandsons Joseph and Benjamin Cantwell; sister, Catherine Cantwell Luria and husband Eric; stepson, Justin O’Dell, wife Jenni and step-grandchildren Henry and Charlotte; stepson, Patrick O’Dell, wife Isy and step-grandchildren Madison and Thomas; stepson, Matthew O’Dell, wife

Courtney and step-grandson Patrick (Patch). A celebration of life to honor Joe is being planned for a later date this September 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Benton MacKaye Trail Association, The Craddock Center, Gilmer Arts, or the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Joe will be deeply missed. As a dear friend said of Joe, “Rest in Peace” doesn’t fit. “Work and Play in Peace” does. May choirs of angels sing him to his rest.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joseph Cantwell.  You may sign the guest register and send condolences to the family at www.cochranmcdaniel.com