Final Patrol: Ralph Cardinali

 Ralph M. Cardinali, 94, of Frier Lane, Wampsville, passed away on Thursday morning, July 8, 2021, at the Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville where he had been a rehabilitation resident since April. He was born on March 29, 1927, in Fulton, the son of Sisto and Rita Cafolla Cardinali. He was a graduate of Fulton High School, Class of 1945. Ralph proudly enlisted and served his country as a member of the United States Army serving during World War II. He saw action in the Pacific Theatre and also saw duty in the Occupation Forces in Japan. On April 30, 1955, Ralph was united in marriage to Barbara S. Stickels in St. Patrick’s Church, Oneida. Ralph enlisted with the New York State Police in 1952. A proud career that spanned for thirty years, retiring in 1982 as the safety officer for Troop D in Oneida. He then went on to work for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board at Vernon Downs for ten years. Ralph was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, the New York State Police Benevolent Association, and the Canastota Lions Club where he received the honor of the Robert J. Uplinger Award in June of 2003 by the NYS Lions. He was an avid vegetable gardener and talented woodworker. He was also a gifted craftsman of stained glass with his wife, Barbara. Ralph adored his cats and loved to read books. He also enjoyed fishing especially with his daughter, Julie. Ralph’s greatest joy in his life was spending time with his beloved granddaughter, Kate. She was the absolute love of his life. Surviving besides his loving wife of sixty-six years, Barbara; are his children, Jeffrey (Tamra) Cardinali, of Oneida, and Julie (Lisa Brackett) Cardinali, of Fayetteville; one granddaughter, Kate Cardinali, of Syracuse; a sister, Sarah C. Fruce, of Fulton; and several nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by four sisters, Anna Cardinali, Ermida Procopio, Gussie Sereno, and Flora Callen. Ralph’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of his caregivers of the past few years with a special thank you to his daughter-in-law, Lisa Brackett, who was his best advocate and kindest caregiver. His family is eternally grateful.