Thomas Cardamone

Thomas (Tom) Cardamone, age 95, of Bethel Park, PA passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Monday October 21, 2024.

Beloved husband of Margaret his wife (deceased), loving father of Christine (Jim) Stratthaus, Deborah (Andy) Baran, Richard (Nan) Cardamone, and Gary (Misha) Cardamone; brother of Joseph (Rita) Cardamone, Yolunda (Diulus) Cardamone; father-in-law of Jodi Cardamone. He was a proud grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 12; and he is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Thomas and Michael Cardamone; brothers, Anthony, Frank, Tillie, John, and Angelo Cardamone; sisters Victoria (Aiose) Cardamone and Connie (Pope) Cardamone.

Thomas (Tom) was born on October 10, 1929 to Vincent and Maria Antonia(Sergi) Cardamone. He played basketball at South Hills High School and excelled in art.  As a young man, Tom loved helping his father at the family’s repair shop that was adjacent to his homestead on Knox Avenue in Knoxville, PA and shared many stories of his experiences repairing and making shoes alongside his father.

Tom married his one and only love of his life, Margaret.  Together they resided in Bethel Park, where they raised their 6 children. He loved coaching basketball at St. Anne’s School (Castle Shannon, PA), was a long-term member of St. Anne’s Church choir, and was part of The Christian Brothers. Tom was a career sales representative for Housewares and then retired from International Paper, formerly Morris Paper Company. When not working his day job, Tom kept busy. He worked part-time at the local cobbler repairing shoes and immersed himself with lots of yard work; particularly gardening, (especially) tomatoes, however, Tom's first love was music (which created an opportunity - sending him to New York City to audition for the Mitch Miller Band). For many years, Tom was the vocalist of “The Generation Gap” – a local band including one of his brothers, a nephew, and a close friend. The band was widely received and performed at numerous local night clubs and high school dances.

In his golden years, Tom’s gift of song and voice, his most admirable and esteemed talent, was reignited as a solo act. He sang at memory and personal care facilities, retirement homes within the South Hills area, and at special events. Tom was extremely aware of what the power of song and music did, collectively - to those of all ages.  He sang from his heart (within an everlasting and deep love) in memory of his late wife, Margaret.  For many years, his beautiful voice lifted countless people’s hearts and raised their spirits, and if you ask any of those who had the pleasure of listening and hearing Tom sing, their replies would be filled with words of verbal applause: amazement, gratitude, admiration, and praise. As the years passed, Tom’s voice remained a beautifully fine-tuned melodic instrument; always leaving his audiences wanting more, for all those that listened  and felt it a privilege to hear Tom sing. 

Tom was indeed “music” – a wonderful man, a sweet soul. He lived life "his way” and brought mounds of joy to all.  Tom was family; a devoted and loving husband and a loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather “beyond measure”.

Tom’s legacy will live on within the hearts of all those he leaves behind, and – in return – he will be undeniably and unequivocally remembered, loved and missed "beyond measure”.

Family and friend will be received on Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Paul Henney Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 5570 Library Rd., Bethel Park.  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, 10:30 AM at St. Anne’s Church, Castle Shannon.

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