Dr. Joseph Michael Cardamone, Jr.

Dr. Joseph Michael Cardamone, Jr., aged 89 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Joe was born on July 21st, 1937, in Old Forge, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Pauline (Resetar) Cardamone.

He excelled in high school, at the University of Scranton, and at University of Pennsylvania Medical School, consistently finishing at the top of his class.

After serving his country as a doctor in the US Air Force, Joe moved to and planted his roots in Minnesota where he met his beloved wife of 55 years, Stephanie (Stevie).

Throughout his time, Joe was a constant gentle, caring, and humble servant to others, specifically through his over 50 years of practicing as a Doctor of Oncology and Hematology. It was during this time that he served as the Chief of Staff and Director of Medical Education at Mercy Hospital, always teaching and mentoring colleagues while treating his patients who he cared for deeply, as they did for him. These practices continued beyond his retirement through the University of Minnesota’s Community Teacher Program. Joe never stopped learning, even continuing to take courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Minnesota.

Joe truly loved everything Minnesota; The Vikings, Gophers, Twins, and especially his absolute favorite place on earth, Lutsen and the entire North Shore. It was there that he taught all of his kids and grandkids the most important skill of all time…how to properly skip a rock.

Joe also had a passion for travel and embraced and celebrated, with great pride, his Italian American heritage. Joe and Stevie explored every inch of Italy and every corner of the globe. He took to heart the Italian adage, “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much.”

Joe ’s memory and selfless spirit are survived by Stevie, their four children; Joe III (Melissa), Aimee, Jim (Kris), and Tom (Amy) as well as his grandchildren who he, “Pappa”, loved so dearly (Tyler, Michael, Adam, Gianna, Courtney, Lilia, and Joe IV), and his brother Michael (Barbara).

Visitation to be held Thursday, October 1, 4:00 - 7:00 PM, at Gearty Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave. N, Plymouth, MN 55446

Funeral Mass to be held 11:00 AM, Friday, October 2, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 105 Forestview Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55441, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dr. Cardamone’s memory to The ABH Foundation, https://www.abhmn.org/donate-to-abh-the-foundation Designated to Medical Student Scholarship.