Thomas F. Cardea's Obituary
Thomas Francis Cardea passed away on September 7, 2025. He was born September 16, 1925 and was 9 days shy of his 100th birthday.
Tom was born in Palmyra, New Jersey to parents Demetrio Carmello and Bridget Murphy Cardea. He was the youngest of six children (Marie, Nick, Charlie, Nancy, and Ella).
Tom was in high school when World War II broke out. After graduating from Palmyra High School, he joined the Navy and was stationed on the submarine USS Whale which provided air-sea rescue for planes in the Pacific that were attempting to bomb Japan. His sub was credited with the rescue of 18 individuals. Following discharge in 1946 he joined the Jersey Joes Drum and Bugle Corps and played a baritone bugle. The Jersey Joes won the American Legion’s national competition in 1948. This organization was the beginning of lasting friendships for Tom for the rest of his life.
Tom attended Trenton State College and graduated in 1955 with a degree in Industrial Arts and went on to teach shop in the Riverton/Cinnaminson/Palmyra New Jersey school system. By 1966 he was the chair of the Industrial Arts Department in Haddon Township, New Jersey. In 1969 Tom graduated from Trenton State with a master’s degree in Industrial Arts and became a supervisor at the Camden County Vocational School in Pennsauken, New Jersey. In 1977 he graduated from Rutgers University with a doctorate in education.
In addition to school and work, Tom had a busy life with many other interests. At age 45 a drum and bugle friend introduced him to downhill skiing. He skied in New England, out west and even the Alps. He was the Treasurer of the West Jersey Ski Club and skied until his late 80’s. In 1977 Tom purchased a small apartment house in Ship Bottom, New Jersey which was 5 houses from the beach. Being a landlord kept him busy. Tom had his first golf lesson at 88 and loved the game. He also enjoyed gardening and completed the Rutgers Master Gardener program. There was lots of time spent traveling in Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. Tom was a smart man who had many interests. He enjoyed reading, cooking, dancing and listening to teaching videos. He loved many types of music and played the keyboard, the ukelele and sang. His industrial arts background helped him to design and build furniture and create wood carvings.
Tom is survived by six children: Thomas Michael (Polly), Carmen (deceased) (Laurie-Jo deceased), Paul Vincent, Michele Lee Mozingo, Christopher and Kevin Richard (Victoria). Grandchildren: Erin Cardea, Thomas Cardea (Kelly), Cloe Mozingo, Emily Mozingo Taylor (Johnathan), Kevin Cardea Jr., Nicole Cardea, and Alison Cardea and great grandchildren Finn Cardea and Emery Cardea.
In the early 80’s he met Catherine Eick and he was the love of her life. They married in 1987. In 2015 they retired to Eustis, Florida from Riverton, New Jersey. The last ten years have been spent with many visits from friends and family.
A memorial service will be held on January 10, 2026 at 1 PM in the Hamlin and Hilbish Chapel with a reception to follow in the same location.
Parking for Hamlin & Hilbish will be in the parking lot across the street next to Lake Eustis Christian Church. There will be cones, a sign, and possible police assistance with crossing. For those unable to walk or needing additional assistance there is parking in the back of the building with a ramp to assist getting into the building.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Club or to Doctors Without Borders.
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