Robert W. Cardin

Robert Wilfred Cardin, 92, of Tolland, peacefully left this earth for his heavenly home, surrounded by his adoring family, May 10, 2022. Beloved husband of 59 years to Catherine M. (Jones) Cardin, he was born to Rosario Cardin and (Mary Jane) RoseBruneau in Blackstone, MA. ? Bob is survived by his loving wife Catherine and his children; Robert J. Cardin and his wife Mary Beth of Glastonbury, Mary B. Cardin and her husband Michael V. Taft of Ellington, Catherine M. Noble and her husband Norman of West Suffield, Michael J. Cardin and his wife Kristie of Ellington, Joseph P. Cardin and his wife Pamela of Saco, Maine. He also leaves to mourn him his grandchildren: Bobby andDaniel Cardin, Joseph Taft, Jack Cardin, Caitlin and Meghan Cardin, Sean Noble; and his bonus grandchildren Christie Taft Ecott, Dan Ecott and Finley; Paul and Lynn Taft and Paul and Brianna Taft; and Chelsea, Dalton, Mason, Halei and Hunter Frey. Bob is also survived by his siblings; Helena Gannon of Saco, Maine, Marilyn Cormier of East Hartford, Roland Cardinand his wife Patricia of Tolland, Rosemary Brener and her husband Howard of Manchester, and many nieces and nephewsand their families. Bob was predeceased by his parents, brothers-in-law Howard Morey, Robert Cormier and Ray Gannon, sisters-in-law Mary J. Morey and Dorothy O'Sullivan, R.C., nephew Jack Morey and niece Anne Gannon. ? Bob was a 'depression baby', and learned to work at a young age, including picking and selling apples with his father in the tenement neighborhoods, and collecting money due for milk deliveries. Bob was a proud 1948 graduate of Thornton Academy, Saco, ME, where he balanced working second shift at the textile mills while playing football, basketball and track. His post-high school adventures included travelling with carnivals working the games of chance, before he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country with the 802ndEngineer/Aviation Battalion during the Korean Conflict. Bob returned to live in East Hartford,and family lore is that he and Catherine met playing nickel poker at a friend's house. They married in 1962 and their love was deep and abiding. Together, they created a beautiful life for their kids and grandkids. Bob and Kay loved travel and time with family including at Bayview and Kinney Shores, Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor, Gettysburg, and the National Parks out West. The house Bob built is full of memories of cousins' visits and holiday parties for neighbors and friends. Bob loved the natural world, birds, coin collecting, Civil War History, and enjoyed UConn Women's Basketball, the Boston Red Sox and Celtics, and the New England Patriots. And while Kay spent hours in old book stores, he patiently walked the sidewalks, smoking a cigar and chatting with anyone he might meet. Bob always loved meeting and talking with people. In his late 80s he found great joy in regular walks on the indoor track in the companionship of his brother Roland, and raved about their post-walk coffee and breakfast sandwiches. ? Bob worked hard all his life. He was a master carpenter who always strove for perfection. He and his best man partnered as Sherwood & Cardin in the 1960's, building many custom homes in Windsor Locks and Suffield; Bob continued working (R.W. Cardin Builder, Inc.) as a builder into the 1980s. In 1980, Bob was honored as Citizen of the Year for his many contributions to the Tolland community. He coached for Tolland Little League for over a decade; he served as Boy Scout Pack Master and District Commissioner; in 2005, Bob was recognized by the No. CT Chapter of the Nat'l Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame for his Advancement of Youth Football. He was instrumental in Tolland and Eastern CT Football, serving as Coach, President of Tolland Midget and Pony Football, and Comm'r of Eastern CT Midget and Pony Conference. Bob served on the Tolland Town Council for 10 years, presiding as Chairman for four; he is remembered for being fair and measured. For many years, Bob was the smiling face greeting parishioners Sunday mornings, as part of the Hospitality Ministry at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for him when he was in need, especially Maelynn,Chrissy, the staff of Hughes Health in West Hartford (especially on Southwest), and the St. Matthew home ministry team. Family and friends may gather at the Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Merrow Road in Tolland on Sunday, May 15 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm; A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Matthew's Church, 111 Tolland Green in Tolland on Monday, May 16 at 10 am, followed by burial with military honors at Valley View Cemetery, 355 Baxter Road in Tolland. The family respectfully requests that masks be worn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FriendsofAcadia.org; the Headmasters'Student Assistance Fund at thorntonacademy.org; or to the Hospitality Ministry of BlessedSacramentCT.org. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.