Davis Cardamone, 94, was joyfully welcomed into the presence of the Lord on the morning of August 24, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Eleanor (Henne) Cardamone. Loving father of Arlene (Karl) Hallberg, David (Vanda) Cardamone, Lisa (Aurel) Cardamone, and Patti (Jeffrey) Hardy. Cherished Papa of Valerie (John) Derrah, Alexis Hallberg, David, Michael, and Gabriella Cardamone, and proud great-grandfather of Gwen, Eleanor, and Fiona Derrah. Dear brother of Lena Oddo. Preceded in death by brothers Angelo, Victor, and Pat and sisters Ida and Norine. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Born on October 29, 1931, and raised in Detroit, Davis was the son of Michael and Margherita Cardamone, the fourth of seven children in a close-knit Italian family. He passed on his incredible work ethic to his children. At just 10 years old, he began working as a shoemaker’s assistant. After serving in the Korean War, he worked for more than twenty years at Ford Motor Company's Dearborn Assembly Plant, later managed Prestige Men's Wear on Broadway in Detroit, and worked at C.F. Plastics before retiring at 75.
As a distinguished veteran of the Korean War, Davis attained the rank of Sergeant First Class in the United States Army and was awarded the Purple Heart and numerous other military decorations. After being treated in a M.A.S.H. unit and transported to a hospital in Japan, Davis requested to be returned to his men, rather than accept the offer to be sent home. His loyalty and selfless concern for others remained throughout his life.
A longtime member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Eastpointe, Davis served as an elder, participated in numerous ministries and Bible studies, and helped establish the Monday evening worship service that continues today. He also faithfully served as Chaplain of VFW Post 6250 from 1995 to 2011, where his original prayers comforted and encouraged veterans and their families.
Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Davis touched lives through his heartfelt solos. He and his talented wife, Eleanor, brought joy to countless events through their shared melodies. He was known for his generosity, wisdom, faith, and wonderful sense of humor. A trusted friend, beloved neighbor, mentor, and father-figure to many, he had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged.
In his life, Davis enjoyed shooting pool, bowling, watching football, ballroom dancing, conversation, and especially creating, inventing, and designing whatever inspired him. He lovingly tended his beautiful vegetable garden and continued growing tomatoes and cucumbers well into his late eighties. Above all, he lived his life according to Christ’s commandment, John 13:34: "Love one another; just as I have loved you." His legacy of faith, service, grace, kindness, and love will live on in the memories of all who were blessed to know him. Thank you, Lord, for Davis.
A memorial visitation honoring Davis Cardamone will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, 48081 on Thursday, Sept 3, from 3-8pm.
Memorial Service at 6pm officiated by Pastor Emeritus Mark Hetzner, from St. Thomas, Eastpointe.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials in memory of Davis Cardamone to a charity or mission of your choice.
Inurnment will take place at a private ceremony at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI at a later date.
