Albert C. Cardillo

91, of Cranston, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the presence and love of his family on Sunday, October 30, 2016. He was the beloved husband of 65 years to Mildred (Ferrante) Cardillo. Born in Cranston, he was a son of the late Erasmo and Benedetta (DeFazio) Cardillo. Albert retired from a proud life of work as a machinist, last at Leesona Corp. for 20 yrs. He was a US army veteran serving during WWII.

Besides wife, ‘Milly’, his loving caregiver during Albert’s last years, he is survived by his devoted, loving daughters, Lillian Maintanis (husband, John Maintanis) of Cranston, and Pamela Cardillo (partner, Taleen Batalian) of Providence. He was the deeply-cherished grandfather of John (wife, Karisa) Maintanis, Jason Maintanis and Rhea Maintanis, and the joy-filled great-grandfather of 6-week-old John Maintanis III. Albert was the loving brother of Palma Martone of Cranston, Anthony Cardillo of MA, Marco Cardillo of Poughkeepsie, and the late John P. Cardillo of Cranston. He was also the father of Raymond Cardillo.

Throughout his life, Albert demonstrated love and pride for his family of origin, as well as the language and culture of his beloved Italy. Al’s visit to his father’s homestead in Frosinone in 1995 was one of the highlights of his life.

Albert’s devotion to his wife, Milly, and dedication to raising his three children were legendary. All who knew Al were beneficiaries of his gentle nature, kindness and sharing. Over the years, he gave away countless summer vegetables from his renowned backyard garden, regularly subjecting visitors to a brief lesson in identifying plants by their leaves.

Al was a farm-to-table cook long before it was trendy. His basement workbench and home garage were also active areas when anything needed to be built or fixed. Albert always possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge and, at the same time, was a natural-born teacher, eager to impart all that he had learned himself. For the past two years, Al was a treasured participant at Cranston Adult Day Services. He was a good man who will be sorely missed.

Funeral from NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rocco  Church, 927 Atwood Avenue, Johnston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS Friday 4-8 pm. Kindly omit flowers. In lieu, memorial contributions may be made to Cranston Adult Day Care, 1070 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920.