Vale – Aldo Cantori
We have sadly lost a legendary Briar and wonderful human being this week with the passing of Aldo Cantori. Aldo was a beloved husband (to Karon), father (to Alex and Jade and son in law Blake) and grandfather (to Hudson and Cooper).
Aldo’s time at the Briars commenced in 1976, he was one of the key people, along with Kevin Holley and Peter Mansford, responsible for the vision of sponsoring and coaching the Croydon Junior Cricket Club in 1977, this then led to a number of prominent Briars (eg Gerard Price) joining the seniors club back in the late 70’s/early 80’s.
Aldo coached a number of Croydon-Briars and Western Suburbs rep teams to premierships (photos below) during that period. As a player Aldo played across the top 4 grades and C&S for the Briars from 1976/77 to 1992/93 and then Masters/Classics from 1996/97 through to 2016/17, so spanning a massive 36 seasons in total. Aldo scored 2,839 runs, took 133 wickets and 73 catches across all grades during that period.
The highlight at Briars for Aldo was surely captaining the 1989/90 4th grade team to an unexpected premiership. I still recall that Grand Final night, it was before mobile phones and we were back at the old Briars at George st Burwood, we were washed out in the 1st grade GF and were drowning our sorrows, 2nd grade had won their GF and were celebrating and we were all anxiously awaiting the return of 4th grade. They didn’t get on until after 3pm on day two and rolled the minor premiers Macq Uni for just 44 at Macq Uni and then got the runs in the dark around 6.30-7pm.. The reception they received back at the club when they returned with the premiership trophy around 8pm will live in our memories forever. Aldo was a very happy man that night! Aldo was part of Briars Cricket tour to Singapore and a deserved winner of the prestigious Dave Walker Trophy for Services to Briars Cricket in 2010/11.
Aldo played a major role in umpiring Women’s cricket after his playing days and was a member of the SWCUA since 2017, having umpired 114 matches. He was a well-liked figure on field by his colleagues and players alike, and was talented at his craft, including being a member of Panel 1 of women’s premier cricket since its inception, and was the inaugural winner of the Panel 1 umpire of the year award. Aldo also umpired numerous men’s premier cricket matches as well as second and third grade games.
Off the field, Aldo’s contribution to the SWCUA was invaluable, after joining in 2017, Aldo became secretary in 2020. He remained in the position until his illness meant he had to step down in late 2024. Aldo acted as the Training Officer for the association from 2020 to 2022, and as Liaison Officer to the NSWCUSA throughout 2024. During his time as secretary, he ran the association flawlessly, taking on many projects and streamlining operations for the committee to improve the experience provided for their members.
Details of the celebration of Aldo’s life will be advised in due course. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that consideration be given to a donation to the McGrath foundation in his memory.
Aldo Cantori clearly touched many people across his life, he was a loving family man, a wonderful human being and loyal and staunch Briar, we will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family.
RIP Aldo Cantori.
