OBITUARY

George Cardono

January 3, 1933 – January 26, 2021

A true renaissance man was lost on January 26, 2021. George Cardono passed at the age of 88. George was the 9th of 11 children born to Beatrice (Laurenza) and Angelo Cardono on January 3, 1933. George grew up on a produce farm in Riverside, RI. He was the oldest child at home during WWII and took a responsible role of bringing food to market at the age of 15. Later, George served as a medic in a MASH unit at Fort Hood, Texas during the Korean conflict.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Desire Palmer with whom he shared many wonderful years. They enjoyed traveling to many locations, one of the most favorite being short trips to Plymouth, MA. He loved his children and their spouses: daughter Angela Cardono Cunard and her husband Edward Cunard of Rehoboth; son Mark Cardono and his wife Tracy Sioussat of Andover. He was very proud of his three grandchildren: Sean David McBride, Seth Matthew McBride and Riley Merritt Cardono. He is survived by brothers, Norman Cardono of Cumberland, RI and Angelo Cardono of Downey, CA. He is predeceased by his siblings: Daniel Cardono, Joseif Cardono, James Cardono, Angela Kennedy, Theresa Sherrod, Joan Saxer, Catherine Cardono and Marianna Cardono.

George was an extremely creative and talented man. He thrived on challenge, work and purpose. George started out in the outdoor sign industry and went on to start his own advertising agencies in Providence and New York. During this time, he ran many local political campaigns. He was the owner of the Pawtucket Indians baseball team at McCoy Stadium in the 1960s. George went back to the farm life in the 1970’s and 80’s, owning and operating an equestrian facility. He was equally comfortable in jeans on his tractor or in a business suit flying to New York for a meeting. George created and constructed the iconic Big Blue Bug. Upon “retiring”, he took on the challenge of Hillside Country Club in Rehoboth. He designed and built 9 additional holes at the course. His resilience and tenacity were truly displayed as he rebuilt after a devasting clubhouse fire. After selling the country club, George “retired” to yet another career. He earned his real estate and broker’s licenses and founded Blu Sky Real Estate. He was still working part time in real estate up until his death.

George enjoyed golfing. He had a standing golf date for many years with his brothers on Thursdays. He traveled often to Bermuda to play. He was an excellent cook and was a member of the “Gourmet 7” club in the 1970s. George was active in the Rehoboth Business Association, the Rehoboth Republican Committee and the Rehoboth Veteran’s Committee. He served on the Park Commission and Housing Authority in Rehoboth as well. George truly enjoyed going out to lunch with his friends and grandsons on a regular basis.

For George, the adventure is over. Hopefully the sadness this brings can be replaced with the joy of many wonderful memories. Due to Covid restrictions, the service will be private.

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George Cardono

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Marianne Santos

February 25, 2021

I will always have wonderful memories of Uncle George.
As children we spent a lot of time with our cousins Angela and Marc
Uncle saved my life when I was a very young and troubled teenager.
I had run away from home and he found me in Warren, along with my friend. After I was returned home after being gone for a week my Mom and Uncle and oldest sister convinced me that talking about problems were better than running from them . A week later that same friend ran away again, she invited me to go along with her , this time to Florida. Thank goodness the words that Uncle and sissy and Mom stuck with me . I didn’t leave . She did and was found deceased in NY
Later in life he gave my husband a great job in the sigh business as an apprentice.
My heart hurts for my cousins , his grandchildren and his wife .
He was an amazing man who saved my life ❤️

Meris Barreto

February 21, 2021

George was a lovely, gentle man, a family man, who cared deeply for his family ( and all his furry friends). He will be missed.
Love, Meris and Mauricio

Susan Asp

February 8, 2021

Dear Desire,
John and I were so saddened to read of George’s passing. He was truly a Renaissance man who will be missed by many.
Susan Asp and John Greatorex

Angela Cunard

February 7, 2021

I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and shared memories of my dad.

Lisa Palmer

February 5, 2021

I had the good fortune to know George for over 26 years. George exemplified kindness through his generosity of spirit. He left that impression on me and on my three children—his step-grandchildren. He was gracious, thoughtful and a hard-working man. His kindness serves as a great example for us who loved him.

George Mihailides

January 31, 2021

I had the pleasure and honor to wait on George at my restaurant he always had great conversation and a smile. He was truly a kind soul who will be missed, it’s no wonder he has such a great family, leaving an awesome legacy.

Walter Quinn

January 31, 2021

For all the good times, thank you.

Nancy Brown

January 29, 2021

Desiree, Angela, and Mark I'm so sorry for your loss. Many memories of fun times at River View...

Karen Antonio

January 29, 2021

Our family was fortunate to have met and known George over many years. It was through our son Matthew that we came to know George and admire all he did and stood for. We can now look back and share a laugh as we remember Matthew and his friend riding their bikes from our neighborhood and across the grass to Hillside. Both Matthew and his friend Kevin were young golf enthusiasts, hoping to play at Hillside. George rightfully held their feet to the fire, explaining that they could not ride bikes over the greens and had them repair any damage, which they did. Thus began what would become a lifelong bond between George and our son Matthew. He and Kevin enjoyed playing at Hillside, but Matthew actually went on to work for George on everything from outside maintenance to learning to cook in the kitchen. Matthew would cook with me at home, heating up pans with hot oil, flipping the food like a "pro!" I could only see oil splattering my clean kitchen and so made up a song, "You're Not Cooking at Hillside!" Eventually, George trusted Matthew to work in the Pro Shop and actually help him run Hillside. The day of the big fire, we watched in horror from our neighborhood. We were sooooo relieved that everyone was safe and so happy to see it rebuilt and restored. Our family has enjoyed many special times at Hillside, and George always made us feel welcome, as family. Hillside is, to this day, a family favorite. George and Matthew remained close through the years as they both entered the field of real estate. They were each very busy, but took time to have lunch together right up until covid hit. This is a huge loss for our son Matthew - and, for all of us who knew George. He was one of the most genuine and hard working, down to earth men we have known. George is missed by many. We pray that Desire & all his family find comfort in knowing how grateful we are that our life paths crossed with George.
With Love & Blessings - Karen Antonio & Family

Sandra Tiodor

January 29, 2021

Uncle George accomplished so many things during his lifetime, but the thing I remember about him most, is his Kindness. He took the time to notice that I had no dad as a little girl and because he had such a kind heart and he cared so much about family, he spent time with me. Later when I was a teen, he would share his wise advice with me. I will always be grateful for having him in my life.
Thank you Uncle George!

FROM THE FAMILY

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