Antonio B. Cardi

89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Home. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Americo and Jeanette (Perrino) Cardi and the beloved husband of the late Els (Veraaijen) Cardi.

Above all else, Tony was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His life's greatest purpose was providing for his family, whom he loved with unwavering dedication. His sharp intellect was exceeded only by his generous heart. He found his greatest joy in watching his family grow and took immense pride in the accomplishments and happiness of his children and six granddaughters, each of whom held a special place in his heart. His legacy is one of love, strength, and quiet generosity, one that will continue through the family he cherished above all else.

A man of deep faith, Tony had an unshakable devotion to the Blessed Mother and was a parishioner of both Our Lady of Mercy in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and St. Vincent Ferrer in Delray Beach, Florida.

Tony graduated from La Salle Academy before continuing his education at Manhattan College in New York, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. His education laid the foundation for a career that would leave a lasting imprint on Rhode Island and throughout New England.

Tony co-founded Cardi Corporation in 1968, beginning what would become one of the region's most respected construction companies. As President of Cardi Corporation, he led a company employing more than 600 people across four New England states. Throughout his distinguished career, he became a prominent leader in the engineering and construction industry, overseeing projects that transformed the landscape of Rhode Island and beyond.

His work included many of the state's most recognizable infrastructure projects, including Providence's iconic Riverwalk, the Iway, Route 403, the innovative "boat section" of the Amtrak Northeast Corridor in Providence, and numerous projects at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Friends often said with admiration, "If you drove on it or over it, chances are he built it." Few individuals have left such a visible and lasting mark on the state he proudly called home.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tony believed deeply in giving back to the community that had given him so much. He served as President and Board Member of the Construction Industries of Rhode Island, served on the Board of Trustees of The Wheeler School, and generously donated resources to help construct the school's state-of-the-art field house. He also created and hosted fundraising auctions benefiting the Rhode Island Philharmonic, combining his leadership, generosity, and love of community in support of countless worthy causes.

He was a member of both Warwick Country Club and Delray Dunes Country Club and especially treasured summers spent with family and friends at The Dunes Club, where many lasting memories were made.

Tony is survived by his loving children, Stephen Antonio Cardi and his partner, Lisa Pisaturo, and Carolyn Ann Gardy and her husband, David. He was the proud and devoted grandfather of Sarah Gardy, Celeste Gardy, Noelle Cardi, Natasha Gallipeau, Christiana Layman, and Cassandra Layman. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Ingrid Bennett and Karin Layman; his dear siblings, Marianna Cardi Latour and Stephen A. Cardi; along with many extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by his kindness, mentorship, and generosity.

Tony will be remembered not only for the roads, bridges, and landmarks he helped build, but for the family he loved so completely, the lives he touched through his generosity, and the example of integrity, humility, faith, and perseverance that he leaves behind. His legacy lives on in the foundations he built, both in concrete and in the hearts of those who loved him.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Saint Elizabeth Community, 2364 Post Road Ste. 100, Warwick, RI 02886.