Final Salute

Anthony Francis Cardell (Tony,” Zoosh”) passed peacefully on Saturday June 13 at Celebration Villa of Mid-Valley while under the care of Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

Having attained 93 years of age, his was a life well lived. He was a man for all seasons.

Born on September 17, 1932, into the humble home of a coal miner and a seamstress, his many endeavors over the better part of a century led him to a life of service to family and friends, community and country.

Tony grew up in Miners Mills, near Wilkes-Barre, PA, the oldest of five children. While attending Coughlin High School he worked in the local library and then at a summer camp in the Poconos, where upon first meeting Elizabeth Sullivan he declared to a friend, “There is the girl I am going to marry!”. Tony and Betty wed in 1955 and had five children. They celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary on April 30, 2026, and most recently were often seen holding hands or looking lovingly at one another.

After completing technical training at Penn State, Tony began his career at Daystrom (currently Lockheed Martin) working in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. He was renowned for his skill in troubleshooting electronic equipment issues on nuclear powered submarines and aircraft carriers. This job took him around the world where he collected hundreds upon hundreds of matchbooks and countless navy caps. He took correspondence courses over the years and was very proud to finally receive a Bachelor of Science degree at the age of 62.

Tony was committed to serving in so many ways:

He served his country in the Naval Reserve for four decades, attending drills one weekend a month and spending his two weeks of vacation from work each year on active duty. He completed his career at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4) in the Naval Construction Battalion 21 (SeaBees).

He served his community on the Board of United Cerebral Palsy NEPA for several decades, was active at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Peckville, a member of the Blakely Borough Planning Commission, the Lion’s Club, treasurer of the American Legion Post 570, and president of Blakely Hose Company No.2 for over forty years.

He served as a friend to many, including his Thursday night poker buddies, his golfing buddies at Woodloch Springs Country Club, his fellow SeaBee and work buddies, his ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) brunch group, and anyone who enjoyed his storytelling ability and caring companionship.

He served his teammates in golf and bowling leagues. In 1965, he was the first bowler in 15 years to have a 700+ series in his league. He had a hole-in-one at age 82 and at age 90 he could still hit a solid 3-wood to clear the ravine on hole 10 at Woodloch Springs.

He served God as a devout Roman Catholic. He was an altar boy as a youth and faithfully attended mass throughout his life.

Most of all, he served as a wonderful husband and father. Despite his frequent travel and many altruistic endeavors, he was always there when needed, and he set the most amazing example of how to live life.

His was a life well lived. He was a man well loved.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Sullivan), their five children Dr. Tony (Jill), State College, Dan (Puddy), Chicago, Mary Gowat (Greg), Peckville, Chris (Candice), San Francisco, Dr. Beth Cardell (Tracy), Salt Lake City, as well as grandchildren: Tony, Danielle, Nicole, Kara, Glenn, Nissa, Randy, Eric and eight great grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings: Theresa, Janine, Mary Anne, and Bernie.

The family would like to extend deepest appreciation to the dedicated staff at Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their compassionate care. A special thanks to Celebration Villa for their care and kindness during his time there.

The funeral will be Saturday at 10:00 am in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Peckville. Friends may call Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm in the Holy Family Hall of the Parish Center at Sacred Heart Parish, 1101 Willow Street, Peckville. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Blakely. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Blakely Hose Company No.2, or United Cerebral Palsy of NEPA.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Robert E. Decker Funeral Home.
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