Former NSGA Chairman “Sandy” Cantor Passes Away at Age 85

MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS (April 23, 2019) – The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) was informed that Sanford “Sandy” Cantor, who served the association as a Chairman of the Board, passed away on April 20. He was 85.

Cantor was elected to the NSGA Board of Directors in 1985 and served as NSGA Board Chairman from 1989-90. He was co-founder of SportMart, Inc., in 1970, one of the first sporting goods superstore chains. The first SportMart opened in the Chicago suburb of Niles and by 1995, there were 63 stores in the chain operating in the United States, Canada and Japan.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sandy Cantor, and offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his family,” said NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson. “Mr. Cantor’s passion for sports was unmistakable, proven by his dedication to NSGA and the sporting goods industry.”

Cantor is survived by his wife, Patricia, loving children Aimee (John) Moyer, David Cantor and Leighann (Craig) Stevens; and was the proud grandfather of Rachel, Hannah, Zachary, Danielle, Nicole, Jodie, Alexys, Adam, Emma, and Samone.

Funeral services were scheduled for April 23 at 1:00 PM CT, at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd., Wilmette, IL 60091. Interment was at Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions to Jewish Child & Family Services (www.jcfs.org) of the Jewish United Fund (www.juf.org) are appreciated.

About the National Sporting Goods Association

Since 1929, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has been the leading voice and go-to resource for sporting goods retailers and dealers. NSGA helps the industry grow its business through research, advocacy and networking. For more information about membership or NSGA’s products and services, please visit nsga.org.

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