Eugene A Cardinal

Eugene A. Cardinal , 82, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at home, with his family at his side. He was born in Ogdensburg, NY, youngest son of the late Eugene J. Cardinal and Melvina (Fournier) Cardinal.He graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady and served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict for 3 ½ years and was honorably discharged in 1953.He attended Northrup Aeronautical Institute in Englewood, CA. After returning to Schenectady, he went to work for the NY State DOT in Albany as a Soils Engineer and retired in 1988 after 30 years of service.In retirement, he worked 10 years for the Guiderland School District as a bus driver and loved the comradery of fellow bus garage staff. He served the Rotterdam community as an active member and Chief of Rotterdam Dist. 2 Volunteer Fire Company and held honorary membership until his passing. He loved fishing and the outdoors and was a member of the Iroquois Rod and Gun Club. In recent years, he was very active as a member of the Rotterdam United Methodist Church. He will be remembered for his skills in woodworking and carpentry, helping others, and taking great care of his home and camp on Great Sacandaga Lake where he enjoying time with friends, family and his pets. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Yvonne (Cardinal)Sheppard of Hemet, CA and brother Edward Cardinal of Schenectady. Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Leilia A. (Payne) Cardinal; sister, Claire Young of San Diego, CA; son, Mark (Nancy) Cardinal of Guilderland; daughter, Alison (Robert) Vitullo of Rotterdam; grandchildren, Danielle and Amanda Vitullo, Stephen, Thomas and Yvonne Cardinal; several nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to call at the DeMarco Stone Funeral Home, Inc., 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014.Funeral service will begin on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 at 11a.m. at the Rotterdam United Methodist Church, 1915 Helderberg Ave., Schenectady.Interment with military honors will be held at a later date at the Geral B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations may be made to Rotterdam United Methodist Church or the Animal Protective Foundation of Schenectady, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY12302.