Bro. Richard J. Cardarelli Obituary

Richard Cardarelli, 60, most recently of Mt. Sinai, N.Y., passed away Friday, June 22 after battling a long illness.
He was born Aug. 25, 1951 to Emilio "Bud" Cardarelli and Virginia "Ginger" Cardarelli and resided in Cromwell. He went to college at St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vt., where he graduated valedictorian. He went on to study gay theology of liberation at Maryknoll School in Garrison, N. Y.
In his early professional years, he lived in Harlem, N.Y. where he worked with underprivileged families assisting them in any way that would improve their lives. Years following, Richard then became the Chaplain of Mercy High School in Middletown, a job he would later refer to as "the best job I ever had".
Richard founded the Hartford Chapter of Dignity and spent the rest of his life fighting for the rights of the gay community around the country, especially in regards to equal acceptance within the Catholic Church. Richard then went on to work for Genesis in Manchester, a group that assists mentally challenged adults live independently.
Those that had the privilege of knowing him were fascinated by his intelligence and wit, his courage and conviction, his pioneer spirit and insightful sermons. Richard was a follower of St. Francis as he spent most of his adult life as a Franciscan Friar, devoted to God and all he touched. Never backing down on his beliefs, he fought for those whose voices went unheard. He was a true servant of God.
Richard was predeceased by his father, Emilio "Bud" Cardarelli, brother, Robert "Bo" Cardarelli and recently, mother, Virginia "Ginger" Field. He leaves a brother, Steve Cardarelli, of Madison, sister-in-law, Jane Cardarelli, nieces Lauren and Kristen Cardarelli, an uncle, Remington Katon, an aunt, Beverly Dumont and best friend, Bill Nadwairski.
There will be a Memorial Service celebrating his life on Saturday, July 14 at the Holy Trinity Church, 381 Main St., Middletown at 11 a.m. Donations can be directed to Richard's Episcopalian Franciscan Order at Little Portion Friary, P.O. Box 389, Mt. Sinai, NY 11766 or call (631)473-0553. The Coughlin – Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St., Middletown is in charge of arrangements.
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Published by The Middletown Press on Jul. 10, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bro. Richard J. Cardarelli

13 Entries

Colleen Kruger

June 26, 2013

I just learned of Father Richard's passing. He truly was a light in the world. Very hard to believe he is gone. In deep appreciation for how he "walked the talk" and was always true. He was like no other priest I have ever known - truly digging in to do as Jesus would and to be God's presence to others. Fr. Richard and Joe truly brought Holy Spirit to their presence at Dignity and I expect everywhere else. God Bless always.

Kate Buhler

August 30, 2012

Richard was my Priest when I attended Mercy High School. He helped me to see a world beyond my limited scope at the time. Through his humor, stories, and insights I learned about spirituality beyond the confines of (big R) Religion. God Bless!

Ken Murphy

July 31, 2012

I knew Richard/Shark from our time in France as well, at the 'Villa Vallon'. He was indeed fearless in front of those who disagreed, but he always tended to those who had less, who needed more and who thought differently from him. A real Christian life.

Amin Rastad

July 30, 2012

I don't know what to say about Richard...I still not sure if he was a human or an angel...I knew him since 2007 and he became my everything in very beginning steps of our friendship...although we were living so far away from each other and I had the chance to visit him only twice in my life but in fact we were a spirit in 2 bodies...last July we visited each other for second time in Turkey and we stay together for a week...it was my best journey ever. But there is no more July for him and he left me with a very big pain in my heart...we had lots of plan for future, but that sodding cancer destroyed whatever we made in last few years...I cannot stop thinking of him and tears never leave my eyes whenever I am thinking of him or reading his notes to me. I ask God to give me the power to believe and cope with his absence...Rest in peace my dear Richard, Thank you for being my friend...you changed my life with your love and friendship...I wish there was a way to talk to you at least once again...I miss you so much and I feel so heavy hearted without you...May God bless you...you are truly one of the best residents of the heaven with your beautiful smiley face.

Fr Thomas Orians, SA

July 24, 2012

I am deeply saddend to learn of Richard's passing. He was truly a real friend and mentor to me. Richard died on the eve of my 25th jubilee as a friar. I wouldn't be a friar today if it weren't for his encouragement and support. We laughed and prayed together on many occasions. He truly was a blessing in my life and I never ceased to wonder at the powerful witness he gave in his life. He will truly be missed but I know he is busy in heaven lobbying the hosts of heaven to intercede in the Church and make it a truly welcoming place for everyone. May his spirit continue to inspire many more to stand for their beliefs and to hope in the promise of Gods love for all. He was truly a "spark of the divine" in the spirit of St Francis

July 19, 2012

I just wanted to say that I heard a half-hour retrospective on Fr. Richard's life, which was broadcast on the "Gay Spirit" program from WWUH, at the University of Hartford, Ct. I am totally in awe of his love and his service to all people of faith, who maintain their belief in a Guiding Divine Presence in our lives -- against all the odds of the darkness that surrounds us. GOD BLESS YOU, FR. RICHARD! May The Lord assign you, in your new ascended role, as a guide and a mentor to those who struggle in pain and grief and darkness here below. BLESSED BE! "Thank you for your service!"

Dan Gaherty

July 18, 2012

I was a classmate of Richard (aka Shark)at St. Mike's. Purely by coincidence, I googled him today and am shocked and saddened to read this. (I must have received a vibe from somewhere.) We shared some crazy, amazing times both while at college in VT and while on the VT OverSeas Program (VOSP)-Nice, France & Europe 1971-1972. Shark was always true to himself and never compromised.I'm sorry to see that we will not have the opportunity to share another laugh together. Adios, my friend. My condolences to family and friends.

Gina Scelza "The Pandisher Girls"

July 15, 2012

Forever in our hearts with wonderful memories.

Debbie Gingras

July 14, 2012

Richard was always an inspiration to all who knew him. His homilies made me think, many made me laugh, but all will be remembered! Watch over us, Richard. You will be missed.

rogerio Da silva

July 14, 2012

Rest in Peace, Richard! I feel my heart so heavy right now! I am speechless! :(

Maryanne Wilson-Feyer

July 11, 2012

Steve, Jane, Lauren, and Kristen: I was a junior at Mercy the very first year that Richard taught there. He was my world religion teacher, and he opened my eyes to endless possibilities. He also became a very dear friend to me, helping me through all the inherent issues of high school, college and beyond, relationships, and all the problems that go with them. As recently as this March, he said a Mass for my uncle, who was then ill with the same dreaded cancer. I will always be so grateful for Richard's love and support, and know that he is now my guardian angel. I will miss him forever.

Ted Sekscenski

July 10, 2012

Sorry for your loss Steve. I did not know Richard well, but he was always friendly and from what I've read he lived his life as he desired despite the needless obstacles these historical times allowed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Roger Negro

July 10, 2012

Rest in peace Richard. I have many fond memories of our times at Dignity/Hartford. It is an honor to have your memory as my friend.
Roger Negro
San Diego

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