Robert "Rj" Cardinale

Robert “RJ” Cardinale, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. On July 26, 1930, Robert J Cardinale was born in Dillion, MT. He was one of four children born to Salvatore and Bertha Cardinale. (Siblings, Osborn, Giovanna, and Katherine Jean.) Robert grew up in Dillion, Montana and was known as “The Duke of Dillion”. In August of 1948, Robert entered the US Navy surviving during the Korean War on the USS Duncan Destroyer. On September 2nd he received an honorable discharge, (four years, 1 month and 1 day) and returned to civilian life. He attended Western Montana College and met the love of his life Elizabeth “Betty” Phillips. They were married on June 12th, 1955. On February 19th, 1956, they welcomed their first child, Mark Robert, to the world. Robert moved his family to Richmond, California in the summer of 1956. He worked in the Agricultural Chemical business. On June 26th, 1958, daughter Debbie was born. Robert and Betty made many friends and enjoyed an active social life. They embraced the San Francisco 49ers and attended games at the old Kezar Stadium. The 49er’s remained their favorite team. In 1969, an opportunity with American Motors began Roberts’ long career in the automotive industry. He quickly climbed the corporate ladder and was promoted to a regional manager in 1972. In 1973, a move to Wisconsin was ordered and the Robert Cardinale family left their idyllic California life to embrace Wisconsin life. Settling in New Berlin, they were a part of the Gourmet group and hosted many fun events. Their family grew and welcomed their first grandchild, Elizabeth in January of 1982. In May of 1982, they added son-in-law, Dany, to the family. Dany and RJ were true “partners in crime” and tried to outwit each other with harmless pranks. Another grandchild would arrive in October of 1986, Katrina Kapetanovic. American Motors was acquired by Chrysler in 1987 and in the fall of 1988 offered Robert a position in Memphis, TN. Robert was not ready to retire and he and Betty began another part of their journey. Settling in Germantown, TN, Robert and Betty made many friends. The Cardinale home was host to many Happy Hours, St Patrick’s Day and birthday parties. Their children with their families would travel to Germantown as often as possible. In June of 1989, Christina “Nina” Cardinale was born. In October of 1989, Nikola “Niko” Kapetanovic, was born. Robert and Betty would travel to Wisconsin, at least twice a year. They would attend their grandchildren’s school and sporting events. They were proud of their University of Wisconsin graduates Elizabeth Cardinale and Katrina Kapetanovic as well as their University of Eau Claire graduates, Nina Cardinale and Niko Kapetanovic. During Robert’s time with Chrysler, he and Betty hosted several award destinations. They traveled, to Austria, Spain and Portugal, and England, Scotland, and Ireland. Robert retired from Chrysler in 2002 and they remained in Germantown, Tennessee until the summer of 2015. In 2015, they returned to Wisconsin, purchasing a home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. They were happy to be near their children and grandchildren. Robert especially enjoyed entertaining and looked forward to holiday gatherings with family. In 2021, wedding bells rang for Niko (Lauren) Kapetanovic, Nina (Maxel) Cardinale, and Elizabeth (Jason Dalton) Cardinale. Robert is deeply missed by loving wife, Betty; son, Mark, (Terri Oliverson); daughter, Debbie, son-in-law, Dany; grandchildren, Elizabeth Cardinale, (Jason Dalton), Katrina Kapetanovic, Nina Cardinale, (Maxel) and Niko (Lauren) Kapetanovic. He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Bertha Cardinale; his brother, Osborn Cardinale; his sister, Govanina Nichols. Friends and family in Montana and California will miss Robert, including Jeanie Kaste, Kevin McRae’s family, Laurie McRae, Karen McRae, and Kris, (spider) Savas and family. His furry friends, Shadow, (doggie dog,) Kapetanovic and Abby (the labby), will miss him too. Memorials may be made in Robert’s name to Angels Grace Hospice, N74W35908 Servants’ Way, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.