Obituary of Ida Cardinale

Ida Cardinale, 89, of Burnt Hills peacefully passed away surrounded by the love of her family on July 18, 2022. Born in Brooklyn, to the late Ernesto and Malvina (Morali) Berlucchi. She graduated from Lafayette High School and continued to live in Brooklyn for most of her young adulthood. From an early age, Ida was a curious person who wanted to learn as much as she could. Throughout her life she was an avid reader and explorer of new knowledge. As a child of immigrants, Ida proudly spoke three languages, Italian, French and English; a skillset that she proudly utilized in life.

After high school, she entered the workforce in the banking industry on Wall Street. She was raised with a strong faith and taught catechism in her early 20’s. In 1957, she met her husband, Anthony Cardinale, at a church dance. They were married on 10/10/1959, and two years later they welcomed their first daughter Anita into the world.  In 1964 they moved to Long Island and purchased their first home, and the following year brought Lisa into the world.

While on Long Island they opened their first Italian restaurant with Anthony’s family.  After several years, they had the opportunity to open their own restaurant in Herkimer New York, and then expanded the business to open a second restaurant in Johnstown New York.  As proud restauranteurs, the Cardinale family made a name for themselves and fell in love with the area, especially Caroga Lake.

In 1971 Ida and Anthony purchased a camp on Caroga Lake together with Ida’s brother and sister-in-law.  Ida’s favorite place in the world was at the lake where they would enjoy boating, family gatherings and beauty of the Adirondacks.  There were so many wonderful memories created at Caroga Lake, that several additional family members also purchased homes at the lake.  What Ida started grew to become a “family compound” where Ida ended up spending over 50 years of good times.  She will always be remembered as the founder and QUEEN of the Caroga Lake Family Compound.

A phenomenal cook and hostess, Ida will be remembered for her warmth and love for family and friends. Her pride and joy were her children, and she was affectionately called “Aunt Ida” by all who visited. She had a special quality that made people feel welcomed and at home. As a person who enjoyed learning she would eagerly pass on her knowledge and wisdom. As a three-time cancer survivor, Ida had an enduring strength and positive attitude. She never allowed many health conditions to get in the way of her celebrating life to its fullest.

After retirement, she moved to B’nai B’rith House in Niskayuna where she lived for 20 years.  As president of the tenant’s association, she was instrumental in organizing outings, bringing in guest speakers and being an advocate for the residents.  One of her proudest accomplishments was teaching English to foreign residents.

In her later years, she resided in Burnt Hills with her daughters, where she inspired many family and friends who visited with her strength and courage.

Ida was also a great lover of all animals.  Throughout her life she had many dogs that enriched her life greatly.  The most recent were her grand-dogs, Luna and Simba.

To continue Ida’s memory is loving husband, Anthony Cardinale; devoted daughters, Anita Burton and Lisa Cardinale; brother, Ernest (Sophie) Berlucchi; as well as countless extended family including cherished nieces and nephews.

Only a few months shy of her 90th birthday, the family wishes to celebrate and honor Ida as they would if she was still with us. Please join the family on Tuesday, August 2nd at the Church of Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd. in Glenville, NY for a calling period from 10AM to 11 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to the ASPCA, online donations at: https://www.aspca.org/

Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com