Toledo, Ohio
Dr. Peter Cardillo
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Peter Cardillo, who passed away at the age of 91, on April 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on April 10, 1933, in The Bronx, New York, to Antonio Cardillo and Maria Annunziata Raso and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, Peter was deeply proud of his Italian and Canadian heritage and carried the values of hard work, dedication, and family throughout his life.
His pursuit of medicine began with early education at Sacred Heart Grade School and Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, followed by medical school at the University of Western Ontario (1952-1959). He continued his postgraduate surgical training in the United States from 1959 to 1966 refining his expertise at the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, Saint Vincent Hospital, and Maumee Valley Hospital.
In 1967, Dr. Cardillo joined Dr. Navarre and Dr. Gorman in establishing the first vascular surgery group in Toledo. A true innovator, him and his colleagues also founded the first vascular department dedicated to training peripheral vascular surgeons, shaping the future of vascular medicine and mentoring countless young doctors.
He served the community at many of the Toledo area hospitals and holding roles as Director and Chief of Vascular Surgery. After retirement he continued as director of vascular labs in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Cardillo was an avid golfer, cherishing time on the greens at Sylvania Country Club, and enjoyed playing squash and tennis with family and friends. His love of mentorship extended beyond medicine-he coached youth hockey teams for 20 years, influencing and inspiring young athletes with his leadership and dedication.
Dr. Cardillo is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Dale Cardillo; his children, Anthony (Beth), Terri, Tracy, and Trisha (Ylia); and his cherished grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas, and Grace. Also survived by his brother, Tony; and fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death his brothers, Dominic (Mary), Luigi, Ralph; and his sister Josephine.
His legacy of compassion, excellence, and devotion to family and medicine will forever live on in those who knew and loved him.
Dr. Cardillo's lasting impact will be felt among his family, friends, patients and colleagues throughout the Toledo community and beyond. His generosity, loyalty and unwavering commitment to others will continue to inspire generations to come.
A memorial to celebrate Dr. Pete's life will be held on May 10, 2025, from 12-3 p.m., at Maumee River Yacht Club, 2735 Broadway St., Toledo, OH, 43609.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School Guelph.
Make checks payable to: Wellington Catholic District School Board and in memo include Sacred Heart Guelph in memory of Dr. Peter Cardillo, 125 Huron Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1E 5L5
Also online link provided: https://wellingtoncdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Index
Arrangements entrusted to the Foth-Dorfmeyer Mortuary & Castillo Funeral Home.
Pete was one of a kind. Brilliant, a friend forever, accomplished athlete, a compassionate surgeon and clinician. He was a man for all seasons. Gordon Mather
Gordon Mather
May 11, 2025
Three generations of the Spinale Family are saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Peter Cardillo. We are also thankful for our many times together with Pete and Dale through the years. I will forever remain grateful to the man who took me under his wing as a medical student, guided me as an intern, trained me as a resident and mentored me throughout my 37 years as a surgeon. His skill in the operating room was exquisite. His impact on my life was immense. Our condolences to the entire...
Dr. Richard Spinale
May 06, 2025 | Friend
Always a joy to work with in the operating room . Never a dull minute with Dr Cardillo
Sandie Kazmierczak
April 26, 2025 | Work
I'm so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. As a neighbor, I've enjoyed our many conversations over the years. Pete was always upbeat and had a smile for everyone.
Larry Cain
April 25, 2025 | Friend
Jean and I are very sorry to hear of the loss of Peter. We send our condolences to Dale and family. We grew up in the same neighbourhood and attended to Sacred Heart School ,high school and played many local sports together in Guelph. Peter was my best man in our wedding . He will be missed by all Richard and Jean Gazzola
Richard and Jean Gazzola ,Guelph
April 22, 2025 | Family
Terri & Family, Hugs from Columbus. What a nice guy...a great Family man.
Jeff Arman
April 18, 2025 | Other
Dr. Pete was one of my absolute favorite golf partners in the 40+ years we played in our league together. He scored his last hole in one as my partner a few years back at 89 years of age. Hole 16 at Detwiler. As good of a Dr. as he was, he could have just as easily been a politician or part of the cast of The Godfather. I'll miss his friendship both on and off the course.
Greg Golba
April 16, 2025 | Friend
Thirty years ago this force walked in to the bank and I was never the same after. It is the day I met Dr. Cardillo "Pete" He was such a character with his jokes, stories, hugs and aways truly caring how life was going for me. I loved the stanches of time I got to spend with him. He touched my life in so many ways. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Kim Larberg
April 15, 2025 | Work
He was one of my most favorite man and Dr. He used to say what needed to be said with out any hesitation. He was very caring,compassionate person. If you were hi wrong side sure he let you right away. Those kind of man does not come very often. I always admired and respected to him. RIP my friend.
Dr. Ziya Celik
April 14, 2025 | Friend
