Charles Cardone

Obituary for R. Charles Cardone
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of R. Charles Cardone, a man of unwavering faith in God and boundless love for his family. At the age of 91, Charles was called home to the Lord on October 24, 2025, in Denville, New Jersey, from complications of congestive heart failure.
Born on May 24, 1934, in Dover, NJ, Charles was the beloved son of the late Rosario and Lucia Cardone. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Dover High School, later earning his degree from Seton Hall University. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his brother Rudolph Cardone and his sister Josephine Donato.
After college, Charles proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960, during the post–Korean War years. Upon returning home, he settled in Dover, NJ, where he began his professional career at Mennen & Company. He moved onto the Purchasing Department at Howmet & Company, where he eventually retired after 25 years.
Faith was the cornerstone of Charles's life. He loved God above all else and lived each day guided by prayer, devotion, and gratitude. He rarely missed daily Mass until illness made it impossible, prayed the Rosary faithfully, read Scripture, and drew strength and comfort from his deep love for Jesus and His Blessed Mother.
Family was the great joy of his life - second only to his love of God. Holidays, Sunday dinners, and family trips filled his heart with happiness. A talented cook and baker, Charles delighted in sharing his culinary gifts with those he loved. His homemade desserts, custom birthday cakes, and legendary pies were highlights of every family gathering. His Christmas cookies and Thanksgiving creations remain cherished traditions among his children and grandchildren.
Charles also loved to travel and explore new places, often turning the simplest journey into a memorable adventure. His family fondly recalls their summer road trips, from flat tires to fireworks with pit stops for the best food along the way, full of joy and laughter that will forever live in their hearts.
Charles raised his kids to live each day guided above all by love, kindness, and generosity which they will pass onto their children who will carry on his legacy for generations to come. He never found fault in the people he knew, those he loved or those he just met on the street. He was a peacemaker. He led by example. He taught us to be better.
Charles's life was a testimony to faith, humility, and love, but the final days of his earthly journey were a glimpse of Heaven itself. In the two days before he slipped into a coma, Charles spoke with remarkable clarity and peace. He shared with his family that he saw Jesus and Mary, who were calling him home. He also spoke of seeing St. Peter and of being free of pain - filled only with joy and serenity. Together with his loved ones, he prayed the Our Father, never missing a word. He expressed his love and gratitude, telling his family how blessed he felt and how happy he was. Those moments, radiant with grace and peace, were the greatest gift he could have ever given - the reassurance that he had truly seen the Light and was ready to go home to Heaven, to be with Jesus, his Savior and King.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Connie Cardone; his children Charles (Karen) Cardone of Rochester, NY, Michael (Francesca) Cardone of Denville, NJ, Lucia (Peter) Sinatra of Marin County, CA, and Michele (Shawn Knowles) Cardone of Great Meadows, NJ; six cherished grandchildren; Michael, Jack, Robert, Luke, Chloe, Luca; and many other beloved family members and friends who will miss him deeply, but take comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the arms of the Lord.
Charles's life was a reflection of one of his favorite scripture passages: "Well done, good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:23)
Visitation will be held at Tuttle Funeral Home, Route 10, Randolph, NJ, on October 28, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Charles's exceptional life will take place on October 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Dover, NJ, with Rev. Carmen Buono officiating. Burial will follow at Locust Hill Cemetery in Dover, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you say masses in Charles' name at the parish of your choice or that you make a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.