The Bitner's have happy memories of times spent with your family, and the relationship we enjoy with our daughter-in-law, (your daughter) Cathy, amd the beautiful little great-granddaughters we share.  Sam was a dear godly friend, whom we look forward to meeting soon in glory. What a day that will be!  We trust we will see you all there,  Bob Bitner. (Helen looks forward to meeting you all there if not sooner)

I was blessed with Grandpa's presence in my life for 31 years.  I miss his smile, twinkling eyes, scratchy face, bushy eyebrows and hair that seemed to always want to take flight.  I also miss his voice.  Fond memories include Grandma and Grandpa's visits to spend time with us in Minnesota.  Grandpa seemed to enjoy fishing, but appeared a little out of his element.  I remember even more fondly our family's visits to Grandma and Grandpa's house in New Jersey.  Driving through the day and night.  Crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia.  That final long stretch down Highway 70 to Whiting. Pulling up to the duplex. Stepping out onto the concrete still warm from the day's sun.  Smelling the scent of wet pine and asphalt. Walking into the house through the carpeted garage lined with golf gear and lawn care equipment. Hugs.  A snack of Grandma's toast.  Spending days or even a couple weeks playing table games, golfing, walking to the ponds, watching old movies, talking, and eating more toast. And lentil soup.  And chicken in the oven.  Oh, and Grandpa's fine London broil.  

Grandpa didn't have much of a poker face when it came to jokes and card games (not that we played poker, Grandma).  Delivering a punchline or winning hand would set of a good natured response that included squinting of his eyes, the break of a smile, and a chuckle.  

I enjoyed Grandpa and Grandma's support for my musical interests and enjoyed exploring mutual interests with Grandpa with attempts to play his saw and his saxophone. Playing with him in their church orchestra.  He was a natural musician. Even his rapid sneezing fits had rhythm.

Char and I were blessed to live near Grandma and Grandpa for a couple years while I was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base.  Our first two children were born during this time.  It was wonderful to be close enough to drive to Whiting for an afternoon or spend part of the weekend together at our house.  I was honored to have Grandpa participate in my promotion ceremony by pinning on my Captain bars. 

Grandpa's loving example as a husband, dad, and grandfather are a legacy that I treasure and hope to emulate.  His love for our Lord and service to family, friends, and strangers is a precious heritage. I love you Grandpa.  Thanks.  We miss you.

It was over 33 years ago that I met Samuel Cardillo, the man who was to become my father-in-law.  We enjoyed fellowship in the Lord together in the days leading to the wedding of mutual friends.  Little did I realize then that a few months later I would sit alone with him in the downstairs kitchen in their home on Orchard Street, asking for his blessing and permission to marry his daughter, Jo Anne.  His questions were few, but significant:  1)"Do you love the Lord?"  2)"Do you love Jo?"  With my confident affirmative answer to these simple but vitally important questions regarding our anticipated marriage, there was an encouraging blessing granted and a shared happiness between us.  That friendship and mutual appreciation continued until the Lord saw fit to take my dear father-in-law home.  The thankfulness and appreciation for both Dad and Mom Cardillo continue.  What a blessing his life was, and hers continues to be...to so many...but undoubtedly in some of the greatest ways to their four children, to the four of us who entered their family through marriage, and to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have added to that family tree that continues to grow both in number and in eternal fruitfulness for the glory of God.

I was 6 years old when I first met Sam at Malaga church camp in south Jersey. My dad brought my sister Angelica & me there for a vacation. Then I saw Sam again as he visited our apartment at 1155 Intrevale Ave. in the Bronx. He fell in love with my big sister!!!!   I remember those days; the monopoly games with him, Jen, George & Pete (my brothers); the rides he gave us in his brand new tan Chevy slantback and then me being the "ring bearer" at their wedding. What can I possibly say about my dear brother-in-law Sam?  I could never say enough. Sam was, to me, the best role model for a husband, a father, a Christian; a provider, a God fearing man of integrity and I could name several more things like taking me in to live with them when things were not working out for me. I love Sam. I am so thankful to God that he married my sister. Every January 1st, we have a "Cousin's Crash" at our clubhouse with them and their four wonderful children and grandkids. We will miss him but we all know that Sam will be first in line to meet each of us at those Pearly Gates!

Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”  As much as I would have enjoyed more years with Dad here on earth, this verse gives me a glimpse into God's heart as He waited for the day when He would bring Dad home to heaven to be with Him forever!  And Dad is there now, with the Lord he loved and served, rejoicing!  And waiting for us!

Today, from the other side of the world, I want to share a few thoughts about my dear father.  I truly count myself blessed to have been raised and nurtured by Sam Cardillo.  The older I grow, the more I realize what a rare gift it is to have a happy, carefree childhood, surrounded by love and encouragement from parents who loved each other and who guided and protected us through every phase of life.  I could tell some stories of Dad's protective role kicking in!  

Dad sacrificed a lot to provide for our needs as a family.  I remember waking up in the morning to prepare for school, and he would be going out the door with briefcase and lunch bag in hand.  His days were long.  And honestly, I don't think he really enjoyed his line of work.  But he stuck with it!  And we reaped the benefits.  

Dad loved God and truly sought to live a life that honored Him and followed the teaching of His Word.  His desire was that this heritage he received from his dear mother, Catherine, be passed on to the next generation and beyond.  Not only did he model this for us, but we know that he and Mom faithfully prayed for each and every one of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, by name, every day.  I know that Mom will continue that ministry of prayer!

When we get together as siblings, it's always fun to reminisce about our other life… before marriage and having families of our own… when we all lived under Dad and Mom's roof.  There are many stories that include Dad.  But for the most part, Dad's influence in our lives was a quiet, watchful, speak when necessary kind of input.  He was always there for us.  But he wasn't pushy.  He was always loving.  But he wasn't doting. And I'm saying that in a positive light.  He allowed us to grow up and leave home.  He didn't cling.  That was so healthy.  Maybe he was looking forward to having Mom all to himself again ?.  As I've come to the place in life where we have let our children go, I feel it was so much easier because of how Dad (and Mom) freed me to find God's will and do it with all my might.  I'm so grateful for that kind of love Dad exemplified.  

I miss my wonderful Daddy already, but I'm so thankful for the years we had him here on earth, and I look forward to seeing him again in the glories of Heaven.  The truth of God's provision for restored relationship with Him so that we CAN live with Him forever, reached my heart at a young age, thanks to the faithful teaching and living out of the scriptures at home.  Some of Dad's final words to me before he prayed for me and sent me back to Israel, were these:  “Jo, I have no fear.”  I've played those words over and over in my mind as I think of how Dad's faith truly sustained him in his final days.  Dad taught me how to live… and he taught me how to die.  What a great gift.  What an amazing Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa!

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father.  Praying for you and your family....

Donna and Frank Pagano
Old Bridge, New Jersey

Dear Dad, thank you for providing a stable home, for loving mom, and for being a faithful husband and father. I have wonderful childhood memories, and you, dad, are responsible for helping to make that possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you dad.  We await with you, that great day, when "trump from East to West shall wake the dead in number" and God will bring all of us to a new heavens and new earth. This morning, we had them inscribe the following words on your grave stone... "Alive in Jesus Christ". I love you dad...

Dear Kathy,
I can remember the day your parents were married at Glad Tidings Tabernacle in Manhatten, N.Y.   What a joyous day that was,  reminds me of the wedding feast awaiting us all .  We remember so many great visits with your dad especially one with your dad at camp of the woods at Speculator,N. Y where we laughed ourselves silly over an outrageous sneeze during  an amazingly beautiful and serious concert.  Your dad would always laugh when reminded of this incident, as if we were seated there again!  
We are keeping you all in our prayers as you walk through this time of sadness and joy
Lovingly,
Doris and Anthony

Dear Cathy and Dave and Family,
We are sad to hear of your loss but happy that your dad is with Jesus, free from suffering and pain. We will be praying for you.

Sorry for your loss.  So thankful for a life that can be celebrated.  Oak of righteousness the planting of the Lord...  What a privilege to have such a wonderful heritage.  Love and prayers from the Burnses.

When we were little, Grandpa made us laugh and laugh while brushing his teeth.  When we were a little older, he amazed us by playing a new instrument - the saw.  And a little older, his smile and eyes told us he meant every word when he said he loved us and was proud of us.  A little older, I was pleased to see Grandpa's joy while holding my firstborn son.
I am so thankful for the example of Grandpa's love and faithfulness to Grandma.  I loved seeing them hold hands.
Before long we will be with Grandpa and Jesus.  
With love,
Kristi

I loved my dad.  He was a man who dearly loved his family and loved God.  He was always there for us and it is my extreme comfort to know that he at rest and joyful in the presence of Jesus and that I will see him again!

Dearest Sam and Family,
I can see through you that your father raised you well, with the help of your gracious and sweet mother.  I am very fond of you and I know that Rebecca shares the same sentiments.  We are sadden by your loss but we grieve less knowing that he is with the Savior.  
With love and kindness, 
Frank and Rebecca Falzone

I miss you Dad.  You were the kindest, gentlest and most loving example of a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather that there could be. So good to know you are finally enjoying rest and comfort in the presence of Jesus.  I love you so much. Your son, Sam

OBITUARY

Samuel Cardillo

Born FEBRUARY 3, 1924

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

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