He then went to study at the University of Puerto Rico, but after his first year, enrolled with the United States Army to serve during World War II.

Cancel was also a member of the Board of the Attorney's College, the Lions Club of Manatí, the American Legion, and other civic organizations.

Cancel Ríos was married to Carmen Leticia Alegría Estela, and they had three children together: Carmencita, María Magdalena and Juan Andrés.

Cancel Ríos died on August 26, 1992, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

[1] In 2023 Juan Cancel Ríos was posthumously inducted to the Puerto Rico Veterans Hall of Fame.