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Dominick Cardonita Obituary
San Antonio
CMSgt Dominick A. Cardonita, USAF Retired, died Saturday, July 28, 2012 in San Antonio. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview in Abilene, TX. Interment with full military honors will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Dominick was born on May 27, 1941 in New Haven, CT the son of John and Teresa Cardonita Sr. He was a 1960 graduate of Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven and married Belen Lerma on February 15, 1972.
He is survived by his children, Edward and wife Diana of San Antonio, Susan Cardonita of Abilene; several nieces and nephews including, Donna Cardonita; great-niece and nephew, Giana and Lucio all of Guilford, CT; and daughter by a previous marriage, Theresa Beltran (Rick) of San Antonio.
His parents, his wife, Belen and his brother, John Jr. preceded him in death.
Dominick served for almost 25 years in the United States Air Force as a public affairs specialist, NCO and Supervisor, with assignments to Randolph AFB, Dyess AFB and Lackland AFB, Tx; Phu Cat Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, Nakhom Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, Ramstein AB and Wiesbaden AB, Germany among his many duty stations. Upon retirement from the Air Force at Lackland AFB in 1985, he served in Air Force Security Service Headquarters, Security Hill, Kelly AFB, TX for over ten years in the Public Affairs office as a civilian supervisor.
His military decorations included the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Oustanding Unit Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one silver and one bronze oak leaf clusters, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm device and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Dom was active in American Legion Audie L. Murphy Post 336, San Antonio, TX, where he served as First Vice Commander, Membership Chairman, Public Relations Chairman and member of the Color Guard. He was instrumental in setting up and publicizing many of the post's public events, including their annual Pearl Habor Day pancake breakfast honoring Pearl Harbor Survivors. Post 336 had already nominated Dom for recognition and the award of the Legion's Weekly Publication Award to the American Legion's Texas Department, which will be determined and awarded at their Mid-Winter Convention in January, 2013. He was a member of Chapter 14, Disabled American Veterans and a past member of the Knights of Columbus in San Antonio.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dominick's memory to, American Legion Audie L. Murphy Post #336, 6553 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238 (210) 684-4189
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.elmwoodfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dominick Cardonita
STANLEY THOMAS MEYER
July 26, 2022
Dom and I were good friends through our American Legion Post 336 membership. He was a great man and a Retired Chief Master Sergeant in my Air Force. He is missed. May He Rest in Peace.
STANLEY THOMAS MEYER
July 26, 2021
May You Rest in Peace my friend
Ed Mucha
August 1, 2020
Those of us who are remaining really do remember and think about old friends and good times together. Wish I'd known he was at Ramstein AB way back when. Pleasant thoughts always.....
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
August 8, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers
Valerie (Elbow) Johnston
August 4, 2012
Dom,
My assignment working with you in public affairs at Ramstein AB in the late 70's was a highlight of my AF years. You were always so knowledgeable, so inventive, so hard-working. Yet you always had that hearty laugh and twinkle in your eye that reflected your excellent sense of humor. It was a privelege to know you and to work alongside you.
Ed Mucha
August 3, 2012
Dominick, we had some great times at Wilbur Cross. Gary Lemon, Butch Renfrew, Ed Mucha, Dave Renfrew, Joe MacDonald, et al.
August 2, 2012
DOM - I will miss you as a close friend and comrade in the American Legion Post 336 and the DAV Chapter 14. Will miss you at the recruiting booths. Rest in Peace Brother.
Stan Meyer,SMSgt, USAF, Retired
Gerald J. Hickman
August 2, 2012
In the mid sixties, Dom joined the USAFE/OI staff on which I also served in Wiesbaden, becoming another member of an all-star enlisted team. Then an airman, he fit right in with some of the finest NCOs in our career field. During the late seventies, Dom joined me again as we each enjoyed a second assignment at USAFE/OI. This was perhaps the finest major command public affairs staff ever assembled at least until that time.
Not surprisingly, Dom's addition made the staff even better. He was an exceptional man --professional to the core, hard working, loyal, and dedicated. He was dedicated to his family, his nation, the Air Force, and to his countless friends. As we mark an end to your remarkably good life Chief Cardonita, may you rest in peace. Those who knew you will always cherish memories of you and will not forget you.
Jim Hatt
August 2, 2012
Dom.....you were one of a kind and it was my priviledge to have known you both as a friend and peer. RIP my friend!
Tom Shumaker
August 2, 2012
Dom,
You were a friend among friends who never met a stranger. You taught me and many others how to be a professional and how to accept life as it came. You will be missed but your influence and friendship live on. God Bless your family and may you enjoy your third retirement with Belen and the rest of those who have gone on before.
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