Bob Cardinali, a Greenwich Village native and civic leader who ran a family grocery store with his late brother on Sullivan St. for many years, died Aug. 26 at St. Vincent’s Hospital at the age of 84.
He died of a massive stroke, according to his daughter, Linda Kenney.
Albert Cardinali, known by everyone as Bob since boyhood, was born in the Village to David and Marie Cardinali. He attended public schools, graduating from De Witt Clinton High School, located then on 10th Ave. In June 1942, he married Florence DeBebian, who was also born and raised in the Village.
One of three brothers, he ran the family grocery store at 137 Sullivan St. with his oldest brother, Richard, for 40 years until they retired in 1984. The store was started in 1942 by their father. Richard died a year ago and another brother was killed in action during World War II.
Bob, who served in the Army during World War II, was a member of the Washington Sq. Post 1212 of the American Legion. For more than 30 years he was active in the William Church Osborn Club, a group of businessmen who raised money for the Children’s Aid Society’s Lower West Side Center on Sullivan St. He served as president of the club and was treasurer in 1987 when he and his brother, who was also a member, were honored as “Men of the Year” by the Osborn Club.
“He helped raise thousands of dollars for the Children’s Aid center over the years and gave very generously of himself,” said Bruno Viani, a longtime friend.
A member also of the Knights of Columbus, he served as deputy grand master of the local council of the group. He was a prominent member of the fathers’ club of Our Lady of Pompeii School for 50 years, serving as president of the club. He also founded the Scholarship Fund of the school.
His wife and two daughters, Linda Kenney, of Manhattan, and Carol Vitale, of Staten Island, survive as well as two grandchildren, Tracey and Robert Vitale.
Greenwich Village Funeral Home, 199 Bleecker St., was in charge of arrangements. The funeral was Mon. Aug. 30 at Our Lady of Pompei and burial was in Calvary Cemetery in Queens.
