Samuel Cardinale

     Samuel Cardinale (Sammy Jo), 80, born on September 16, 1942, in Carmel, CA, United States, passed away peacefully April 12, 2023. He resided in North Highlands, CA at the time of his passing.  He was born to Francesco Cardinale and Donna Marie Bentele.  He was raised by a single father in Monterey and moved to Stockton CA as a teenager.  He joined the Navy at 18 from 1961-1972 and served in the Vietnam war.  He was a Quarter Master 3rd class, his job was to serve as a helmsman and perform ship controls and navigation.  He would tell us a lot of the time this would be done by the stars.  As far back as I can remember he taught us about the stars.  He loved gardening, building things, collecting coins, stamps and loved astronomy.  And was also definitely a huge history buff.  I always told him that he knew everything!

     Sam was the most loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He is survived by his wife Dolores, his 6 kids- Alfonso, Marcelino, Gina, Dolores, Marta, and Michael, 13 grandkids-Vanessa, Manette, David, Alfonso Jr, Krista, Mary, Michael, Lydia, Billy, Kidd, Jamil, Brieanne, and Sophia, 14 great grandkids-Alyx, Breanne, Carlos, Jacqueline, Elizabeth, William, Bobby IV, Jaxon, Davis, Emma, Avery, Devin, Jacob, and Ivy and 1 great great grandchild Alejandro(who is on the way).   He is preceded in death by 3 brothers, Michael, Adrian, and Ronald and 2 sisters-Rosalinda and Roseanne.  He has 4 surviving siblings, Marla, Joanne, Linda-Gail, and Francis.  

He was kind but also let you know when you weren’t doing something right, he always wanted us to succeed and be the best we could be.  He was the gold standard of what a father and man should be.  He lived a long life and graced everyone he met with life lessons and knowledge that will be passed down for many generations and the world will not be the same without him.  He will be loved and missed dearly.

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.  Viewing and Rosary will be held @Forest Lawn on May 8th @6:30pm and Funeral Mass will be held at St Pius in Buena Park, CA on May 9th @12pm that will be proceeded by a motor escort back to Forrest Lawn for burial.  We will have a reception following the burial at The Way Fellowship @7412 Thomas St, Buena Park CA.