Florencio Cantu

Florencio Cantu, age 92, of Wheaton, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026 at River Glen of St. Charles with his loving family by his side. We celebrate that he is now with Jesus and those who have gone before him.

He was born in his family home on the morning of August 21, 1933, in Caderyeta Jimenez, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the son of Genaro Cantu and Antonia Silva de Cantu.

Florencio was a man of strong faith in Christ and was loved by all who knew him. He immigrated into the United States of America on February 21, 1955, excited for his new future. He met Elida Martinez through his younger sister, Geno, and quickly fell in love and decided to marry her on December 8, 1956. Florencio had a strong work ethic and held positions in various capacities throughout his entire career, including working at Caterpillar Tractor Incorporated in Aurora, Il for over 20 years until he retired.

By example, Florencio taught his children the value of hard work and living a faith-filled life with integrity. He displayed loving devotion to his wife Elida of 70 years, and dedicated his life to loving and providing well for his family, teaching his children important values in life and sharing his generous love with them, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Florencio will be greatly missed by his entire family, friends and all whom he met, who were greatly touched and blessed by his sweet and generous soul. He oftentimes said ‘He was a very rich man for the many blessings God bestowed upon him throughout his life’. His family is equally blessed by the abundant Legacy he left behind through his children and grandchildren. Florencio was the best husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend anyone could ever ask for. We thank You, Jesus, for Florencio Cantu Silva’s life, a life well-lived, as He hears His Heavenly Father’s words, “Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant.”

He is survived by his wife Elida (Martinez); children George (Laurie) of Wheaton, John (Mary) of Orland Park, Lisa (Scott) Wheatley of Geneva, and Joe (Sue Ann) of Virginia; nine grandchildren Diana (Chrissy), Kasey, and Amanda Cantu; Christopher (Claudia),and Jack Cantu; Ryan and Erin Wheatley; Nathaniel (Caitlin), and Lucas Cantu; three great-grandchildren, Alicia, Mariana, and Daniela Cantu; and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Consuelo (Fidel) Hernandez, Geno (Antonio) Martinez, Antonia (Julio) and by his loving parents, Genaro and Antonia Silva Cantu. 

A Celebration of Life for Florencio will be held Friday, July 17, 2026 from 9:00 am until the time of his funeral prayers at 12:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva and proceeding to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva for a Celebration of Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm with Father Ryan Nooraee, Celebrant.

Family Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in West Chicago, Il.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Florencio’s favorite charity St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105 would be appreciated.

For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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