the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Demarest NJ, It is with deepest sadness and grief that we share the heartbreaking news that long-serving State Senator Gerry Cardinale (R-39), passed away this morning at Pascack Valley Hospital after a brief illness (not Covid-related). He was 86 years old. Senator Cardinale faithfully served the 39th district for 42 years. He is the second longest serving Senator in New Jersey history.
He will be remembered for his wit, political acumen, devotion to family and friends, and a deep and abiding love for his state and country. He celebrated his Italian heritage in many ways with his love of Italian food and the occasional grappa.
Said longtime associate and State Assemblyman Robert Auth. “Gerry was one of the best politicians I’ve ever seen. There was never a hand he did not want to shake, a door he did not want to knock on, or a train station where he did not want to greet commuters with a smile. He was my mentor and close friend. It will be a long time before we see another public servant like Gerry Cardinale who had guts, commitment and passion for his constituents. He worked hard every day to earn the trust of the residents of the 39th district and maintain his connection to the people of New Jersey.”
Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi said , ” It is with deep sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of my friend and longtime colleague Senator Gerald Cardinale who had been battling an illness. Gerry was a well respected and revered Senator for nearly forty years, fighting for our community and working to make New Jersey a better place to live, work, and retire. I was fortunate to work with him for nearly a decade and will miss his friendship, principled leadership in Trenton. We have lost an icon in our state. Paul and I and our entire family send our love and support to his family, especially his wife Carole and children, during this difficult time.”
Born in New York City in 1934, Gerald Cardinale received a B.S. Degree in Chemistry from St. John’s University and earned a DDS from New York University College of Dentistry in 1959. Aside from his long political career, Senator Cardinale was a Dentist by profession. He served as Mayor of Demarest, NJ from 1975 – 1979, before his career in the NJ State Senate, he spent one term in the NJ Assembly from 1980 – 1981.
He leaves behind his devoted wife Carole Cardinale of 62 years and 5 children. A lifetime practicing Catholic, Senator Cardinale was a member of the parish of Saint Joseph, Demarest New Jersey.
https://www.barrettleberfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gerald-Cardinale/
Did Holly let the body get cold before she started making phone calls for the appointment?
Term limits.
Didn’t know that was a dentist.
He was a great man RIP 🙏🙏
Sen Cardinale will be missed.
His voice of reason was always appropriate in this socialist state and as a life-long resident I appreciate his service.
My condolences to his family.
Gerry was a great guy who fought for his constituents and for conservative values.
He will be sorely missed.
RIP