Mr. Joseph A. Cardoso Sr.

Mr. Joseph A. Cardoso, Sr., age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife and son by his side. Born in the Madiera Islands, Portugal on February 27, 1936, Joe was the son of the late Jose and Julia (Freitas) Cardoso. As a child, in May of 1945, he and his family emigrated to the United States and ultimately to Utica where he attended Wetmore Elementary School and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1956. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Joe honorably served his country during peacetime. On May 12, 1962 he wed the former Phyllis M. Perry with whom he shared a trusting, loving relationship. They were constant in their care and consideration of each other during their 53 years of married life. For many years, Joe worked at UNIVAC where he also served as secretary of the union, until its closing. He then held a position at the General Electric Company, and was lastly employed at the Knowlton Non/Woven Materials Manufacturing Company. At all his places of employment, he carried out his duties conscientiously and was held in high esteem by his employers and co-workers. Joe was a calm, gentle man blessed with a kind heart and a dependable, honest nature. He had a comical side to his character and delivered his humor effectively and effortlessly, especially to his best audience and his better half — his wife Phyllis. As a father, Joe was loving and nurturing, and when he became a “Papa”, he was delighted; he loved his grandchildren and was especially close to Salvatore and Anthony to whom he provided care and guidance during their younger years. Joe lived a simple life and he didn’t need much to be happy. He was proud of his family and the virtues and values he instilled through his teaching and example. He celebrated all the holidays with his loved ones and every day was made complete by sharing nightly dinner with them. He cultivated and cared for a vast garden that produced garlic, vegetables, and flowers, and was centered around a statue of the Blessed Mother. He tended to his plants daily and others often said his garden was “a little bit of heaven”. Laboring in his garden kept his body limber, and mastering his sudoku skills kept his mind keen. Joe was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph A., Jr. (who was a great blessing and treasure to his life) and Lisa Cardoso; his daughters, Laurie, and Michelle; his grandchildren, Joseph A. III, and Anthony M. Cardoso; Amanda, and Christina; and Anthony, and Salvatore Paparello; and his several great-grandchildren. He will also be remembered by his sister and brother-in-law, Anna Marie and John Paul Jones of Frankfort; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially “Roni” DiLeo of California; and his Wednesday morning coffee buddies at Marlog’s Restaurant, Zeke, Dave, Sammy, Johnny, Carl, Charlie, and Bobby, longtime friends with whom he shared a great camaraderie. He was predeceased by his brother, Armando J. Cardoso in 2013. The family is grateful for the kindness and compassion of the Utica Police Department and Rescue I personnel; and Dr. Amita Butala and staff members Theresa and Barb for their professional care. In keeping with Joe’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joe’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski with Military Honors conferred. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Joseph A. Cardoso Sr.

February 27, 1936 - November 25, 2015