Salvatore "Sal" Thomas Cardaci

Sal is survived by his wife Susan of Windermere, his son David (Vanessa) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; his son Drew (Anne) of Winter Garden, FL; and his beloved grandsons Conrad (6 months), Oakes (4 years), and Abel (1 year). In addition, he leaves behind his siblings Debbie Melo (Anthony); Thomas Cardaci (Kathy); and Tina Patregnani (Carl), along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles who will miss him greatly. Also, his little puppy, Toby, misses Sal and their daily walks and spending quiet time together on the couch.

Sal was born on October 25th, 1955, in Newark, New Jersey to Gaetano and Margaret Cardaci. After graduating from college, where he received a degree in Communications, he packed up his car and headed for Florida. He met Susan and they married on September 10th, 1983. Sal and Sue raised their two sons in Winter Garden and then moved to Windermere in 2000. During most of his business career, Sal worked in medical/scientific equipment sales, but also enjoyed starting hobby businesses on the side. At the time of his death, he was retired which gave him more time to spend with his family and fishing, which was always a passion of his. He shared that his biggest regret was not being able to teach his three little grandsons, who knew him as “Papa”, how to fish.

Sal spent as much time as he could in either Key West or Boone, North Carolina. Both places held a special place in his heart. He was never able to realize his dream of having a cabin on the side of the mountain to escape the heat of Florida in the summer. Gratefully, we were able to spend time in both places one last time.

Besides fishing, Sal loved spending time with his family and was a devoted member at the Church of the Messiah, where he and Susan were married 33 years ago. He was loved by his friends at the church, and was an inspiration to all who worshiped with him. Sal always sat in the front row so that he could watch Sue sing in the choir.

There will be a memorial service on April 9th at 2:00 p.m., 2017 at Church of the Messiah, 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden, FL with a reception to follow at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sal’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer society at www.cancer.org/donate.

“So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL.