Joseph Cardinali

Joseph Cardinali of Califon (and formerly of Millington) passed away on December 12, 2023 at the age of 91.  He left us while in the comforting presence of his cherished companion of 10 years, Vicki Jeffers, knowing that he was loved very much by his family and friends.

Joe led a full and active life.  Born March 2, 1932 in Lee, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late Caesar and Aurelia (Mazzanti) Cardinali.  Joseph graduated Lee High School in Lee, Massachusetts and later attended the Illinois Institute of Chicago, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.  He served in the Navy in the Pacific Theater during the Korean War as an electronic technician.

He was a staff engineer at AT&T for eight years before joining Quaker Oats Co. in Chicago as a staff engineer, then transferred to Burry Biscuit in Elizabeth, NJ. He then worked for the Keebler Co. as a plant manager in Bluffton Indiana and later became the chief engineer for General Biscuit in New Jersey. He also created a partnership with Harold Feigel in the formation of Cardinal Machine Corp. for the design and sale of packaging machinery for the baking industry.

Joe was a former Scout Master and also served on the Long Hill Township Board of Education.  Joseph enjoyed traveling and seeing much of the United States, Europe, Central and South America, China and India and he made lasting friendships around the world as a result.  He was an avid sailor – not just with the Navy but for all the neighborhood on his many outings in his sailboat.  Joe enjoyed his sports, especially the Bears and Giants football teams.  He enjoyed playing bridge and other card games.  He loved cats.  He enjoyed home projects big and small.  And most of all, he enjoyed spending time with those he knew and loved.

He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.  He selflessly gave his time and attention to anyone who needed it, and left the world a better place through his presence.  He will be missed dearly by all he touched through his presence. 

Joseph left behind three children – Linda Cardinali, Scott Cardinali and his wife Holly, and Patricia and her companion John Kamau.  He has three grandchildren – Matthew and Rebecca Cardinali, and Joseph Kamau.  He also left behind his companion Victoria Jeffers.  He was predeceased by his three sisters, Rose Marchetto, Flora Kelly, and Beatrice Pelletier.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be planned for mid-2024, in Lee, Massachusetts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Cardinali, please visit our floral store.