Vincent Cardamon Obituary

Vincent Francis Cardamon, 81, of Sharon passed away on April 11th after injuries sustained from a catastrophic fall at his home. Vince was born on June 5, 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA to Angelo and Veronica (O'Hara) Cardamon(e). He was a grateful graduate of St. Bernard's Parochial Grade School in Mount Lebanon, PA. Vince had several friends who he kept in touch with from the class and made it a point to visit The Sisters of St. Joseph who taught him. He often shared wonderful memories of those years and was a generous donor to the school. After eighth grade graduation, his family relocated to Farrell where Vince was privileged to attend high school and graduate in 1960 - "The best class ever to graduate from FHS." He would often say that his parents' decision to move to Farrell was the best thing that could have happened for a skinny kid with big ears and glasses who could dance. While at Farrell, he developed life-long friends and helped organize all of their reunions, lunches, and get-togethers. He was never too busy to call his classmates, offer a listening ear, or provide some uplifting words. In 1962, when he was working for Sam Lurie Clothing Store in downtown Sharon, God intervened and led Vince to walk by the front windows of Ann Hermann Women's Clothing Store. There, Vince saw the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on and decided to ask her out. That day was the first of a wonderful love story between Vince and his wife, the former Patricia Ann Quartini. They married at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Sharon, and on September 12th of this year, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, Vince and Patty raised three daughters, and Vince owned and operated his clothing store, V.F. Cardamon's of Chestnut Street in Sharon. During that time, he was a strong supporter of The Farrell Steelers basketball program under Coach Eddie McClusky. He developed his relationship with his life-long best friend, Dr. James Kollar, who remained at his bedside with the immediate family during Vince's last days. The family relocated to Bay Village, Ohio for a few years (with a short stop in Peoria, Illinois) then they came back to Sharon when Vince was hired by Reyers Shoe Store. For the almost four decades that Vince spent at Reyers, he treated the business as if it were his very own. He admired his mentor, Harry Jubelirer, and appreciated everything Harry did for the family. Vince was willing to work with agencies that gave people second chances, often hiring people who had recently been released from jail in need of employment and guidance. He also advocated for the hiring of many high school and college kids who could use the extra money and life experience. He loved those years at Reyers and the relationships he made along the way. Shortly after returning to the Valley, when Coach McClusky was hired at Kennedy Christian High School, Vince started following the Kennedy basketball programs. As they say, the rest is history. His love for KC and all of the students, athletes, administration, faculty, and parents was unwavering. He considered everyone associated with Kennedy as part of our family. That meant Vince was in your corner no matter what for words of encouragement, a hug when you won, or an even tighter hug when you lost. A figure at every Kennedy game, he was loyal during the winning seasons and more importantly, the losing ones. During these years, Vince developed a friendship with Father Rick Tomasone who served as the girls' basketball coach. Father Rick spent every Sunday with Vince and his family, and some of Vince's fondest memories involved Christmas Eve masses in Pardoe with Father Rick as the celebrant. It was only fitting that upon retiring from Reyers after 39 years, Vince was asked to serve as the Interim President at Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools. Prior to that, he had served on the Board of Directors for many years. Vince wasn't just a supporter of the athletic teams, he truly believed in the school's mission. He loved and supported all students who were fortunate enough to attend school there. Vince attended plays, helped with the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, conducted retreats for students, and led mock interviews for all seniors to help prepare them for life after high school. Always active in the community, Vince served on the board of the United Way, Shenango Valley School Business Partnership, and Sharon Water Authority. He was a member of the Farrell Alumni Hall of Fame Committee and was overjoyed when he was inducted into its Hall of Fame. Farrell always held a very special place in Vince's heart. Vince was a member of Notre Dame Parish in Hermitage where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He had previously been a member of St. Joseph's Church in Sharon where he served as the senior class CCD instructor for many years, where he was affectionately known by the kids as "Mr. C." He and Patty hosted breakfasts at their home for the students where they were always welcomed. Vince also organized service projects at Christmas, most notably, arranging for the families to go out for dinner while he and the students set up the tree, decorated it and the house, and placed wrapped presents for their families under the tree. He truly lived out his faith and encouraged all of us to do the same. For many years, on the 26th of every month, Vince visited Bill and Sandy Tobin for his "personal nurse," Sandy, to administer his B12 shot. On each visit, the time would fly too quickly while they would enjoy each other's company, laughing and reminiscing for hours. Vince looked forward to those visits and the precious time with true friends. Vince is survived by his wife, Patty, who he often referred to as his "Magnificent Obsession" and their three daughters, Michelle (George) Becker, Hermitage; Angela (Charlie) Surano, Greenville; and Kellee (Wade Ford) Cardamon, Nashville, TN; his grandson, Carmen Vincent Surano; and two granddaughters, Patty Surano and Mari Becker; his big brother and role model, Jim Cardamon, Hermitage; younger brother, Bill Cardamon, Grove City, OH; and his sister, Eileen Vernille; Hermitage. A devoted father, Vince instilled confidence in his three daughters and was increasingly proud of the girls they were and the women they had become - he never missed an opportunity to tell them that. As a grandfather, he relished watching his three grandchildren playing in his backyard, in the ocean, or while playing sports at his beloved Kennedy Catholic. In addition to his parents, Vince was preceded in death by a nephew, Jim Vernille; a niece, Veronica Vernille; and his mother-in-law, Anna Quartini. Vince shared his life in the most amazing ways. He shared his time - even when it wasn't convenient to do so, and his talents - in many ways, but especially loved taking care of the front lawns at Kennedy Catholic High School. His sense of humor, often self-deprecating, opened the door to many friendships and was able to uplift those in need of a laugh. He was willing to laugh with you, cry with you, or just simply be present. Ever the generous soul, Vince's final gift was giving someone else a miracle by donating his liver to a stranger who simply needed it. Vince was strong in his faith. He prayed every night for a long list of friends and family, and often for those he didn't even know. When faced with mortality, Vince would tell his family that when his time came, "Do not be sad, but joyful." He truly believed he was blessed beyond measure and gifted a life no man deserved. He loved his life and was grateful to God for every moment of every day on this Earth. We all could have loved him longer, but certainly could not have loved him more. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools, 2120 Shenango Valley Fwy, Hermitage, PA 16148. Calling hours will be 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday (4-14-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday (4-15-24) in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage; with Rev. Richard Allen and Rev. Rick Tomasone, concelebrating. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.