Joseph P. Cardillo

Joseph P. Cardillo, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at Wynn Hospital with his husband and family by his side. He was born on April 25, 1952, in Utica, New York, a son of the late Rufino J and Beverly A (Giffune) Cardillo. Joseph attended area schools, graduating from Proctor high school in 1970. Upon his graduation, Joseph began his career in the food service industry, a profession which would last a lifetime. His first job was at the original Marge‘s Seashell Inn at Verona Beach, New York, and he continued his career at various restaurants, including the original Grimaldi’s restaurant in Syracuse, New York. It was during that time that he met the love of his life, Timothy Wissenbach. They shared a 44-year relationship, marrying on March 1, 2010. Together they relocated to Provincetown Massachusetts where Joseph continued his career in food service and managed a bed-and-breakfast. They settled back in Utica where Joseph began working as a day manager at Chesterfield restaurant, a position he would later retire from. What Joseph enjoyed most was hosting large gatherings, where family and friends enjoyed his culinary expertise. He was a self-taught master cook, with guidance from his mother. Growing up, Joseph enjoyed his summers at the family cottage at Verona Beach on Oneida Lake with his parents and siblings. Joseph was known for making everyone feel welcome and had great pride and love for his family and Italian heritage. In his spare time, he enjoyed writing short stories and keeping a journal.

Joseph is survived by his beloved husband, Timothy, who took wonderful care of him during his illness right up until his final breath. His siblings, Rochelle Cardillo and Gina Cardillo, both of Utica, New York, Marisa Brooks, and her husband Matthew of Punta Gorda, Florida, sister-in-law, Donna Cardillo of Clinton, New York; niece, Victoria Barres and her husband, Fran of Clinton, New York, nephew, Patrick Cardillo, and his wife Cheyenne of Utica, New York. Additionally, he is survived by his aunts, Mary E. Utter of Utica, New York and Carmellina P. Mear of Rome, New York, and cousins of the Gilberti, Cardillo, Mear and Giffune families. He also leaves his beloved feline companions. Joseph is also survived by his in-laws Diane Church, Louis Wissenbach of Washington State, Dale Wissenbach of Earlville, New York and sister-in-law Catharine Wissenbach of Earlville, New York and Aunt Audrey Clark. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, with special mention of Alyce Riedl. Joseph is pre-deceased by his parents, his cherished brother Victor F Cardillo, sister-in-law, Mary Allanson, uncles, and aunts, Pasquale and Florence Cardillo, Victor J Cardillo, Allen and Rosemary Gilberti, Kenneth and Mary Giffune and Ernest Mear. Cousins Gayle Wilcox, Arthur Cardillo and Judith Condella. In-laws Sheila and Gordon Dresser, Joseph Wissenbach and Laurie Plotz.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 3:30 pm until 5:00 pm, at The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home, 1122 Culver Ave., Utica, NY 13501, followed by a memorial service at 5:00 pm, in the funeral home.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Beaches Bridge Cemetery, Number Four Road (County Road 26) and Snell Road (County Road 37) Watson, NY 13367.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Wynn Hospital, six east, for the exceptional kindness, compassion, and care shown to Joe. They are also deeply thankful for the support, comfort, and concern extended to the entire family.

Contributions in memory of Joe may be made to Anita’s Stevens Swan Human Society. www.anitas-sshs.org

Online sympathy: www.scalaroefaro.com