John A. Cardone

Mr. John A. Cardone, age 77, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2005, at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on June 1, 1928, John was the son of the late Frank and Pasqualina (Cognetto) Cardone. He was raised and educated locally. On February 2, 1952 he was joined in marriage with the former Frances J. Wright with whom he shared a union of almost 50 years prior to her passing on January 20, 2002. Always good role models, John and Frances were an exemplary couple whose loving teamwork formed a secure and unshakeable foundation for their relationship, for their family life, and for the joys and responsibilities of raising their children. Mr. Cardone was a longtime and valued employee of Kelsey Hayes where he worked as a polisher, the position from which he retired. As a hard-working man of honor and dedication, he cared and provided for his family with love, generosity, and dependability. His wife and children could always count upon him for support, guidance, and assistance in any situation. Among his favorite pastimes, John especially loved gardening. He also liked to cook: in fact, his famous mushroom stew is a featured specialty in a Florida establishment. In addition, he looked forward to getting together with his Sunday buddies for such activities as mushrooming, trips to see the Yankees, and playing poker. He also enjoyed gatherings of the Altieri Fish and Game Club. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Mr. Cardone is survived by his three children and their spouses, JoAnn F. and Jeffrey F. Murray of N. Utica, John A. Cardone, Jr. of Clark Mills and his fiance, Rosemary Barnes, and Diana L. and Gary T. Fairbrother of Old Forge; and his grandchildren, Michelle and Andrew Kopek, Jodi and Brian Davis, all of Utica, Angela M. Cardone of Albany, John A. Cardone III of NY Mills and his fiance, Holly Owens, Jonathan D. Fairbrother of Utica and his fiance, Tamara Webster, Bryan M. Fairbrother of Old Forge, Amy F. Barnes, and Edward J. Barnes, both of Clark Mills. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jacob, and Jebediah Kopek, Madison and Riley Davis, and John A. Cardone IV. In addition, John leaves three sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Joseph Pellegrino of Largo, FL, Mary Frances Cardone of New Hartford, who was very devoted to him and deeply dedicated to his welfare, and Patricia and Frank DiBerardino of Rome, NY; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his in-laws, Grace Sweet of Ballston Spa, NY, Rita Wright, Matt Niznik, both of Utica, Sandor Kozma of Herkimer, Marcia Wright of Newport, and Jeanie Wright of Ilion; and his dear neighbors and friends, Ida and Adilla and their family. He was predeceased by a brother, Anthony A. Cardone. The family offers its sincere gratitude to Angie, a nurse in the Allen Calder Wing 1 West, for going well beyond the call of duty in caring for John. Thanks also to the respiratory technician, Jerry, for his care and concern, to Sharmaine for her loving care, to Dr. Fung for his dedicated expertise, and to Dr. Desai for his professionalism. Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 5-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider honoring John's memory with a contribution to the American Lung Assn.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Cardone's funeral will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

John A. Cardone

June 1, 1928 - November 29, 2005