1
tree
planted in memory of Norman E. Cardinal
Obituary for Norman E. Cardinal
Norman E. Cardinal, 95, of Ludlow died June 12, 2023 surrounded in the warm comfort of his family. Norman was born on April 21, 1928 to Edmund and Nora (Bousley) Cardinal in Fitchburg, MA, and was 1 of 4 siblings: Leo (and Paula) Cardinal (Lunenburg, MA), Carol (and George) Emond (Lunenburg, MA) and Clayton (and Joan) Cardinal (Morrow, OH). He was a Master Sergeant in the US Army Armor Division and served in the Korean War. While on leave in Japan, he met Harue Ehara (Mary Cardinal), had 2 weddings (Japan & base), their 1st child (Nancy) and then returned to Fitchburg, MA where they had their 3rd wedding. Norman was an Officer Driver, at Ft. Devens at the end of his enlistment, while also working for American Optical out of Sturbridge and Springfield. He opened Cardinal Opticians in Ludlow, with Mary as his assistant, had 7 more children, vacationed at Tidewater Campground in Hampton, NH during beach season and was a dedicated parishioner at St. Mary’s Church and later St. Elizabeth’s Church, both of Ludlow, MA. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Lions Club, MA|CT Cribbage Club and a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. Upon retirement Mary and he traded summering in NH for snowbirding in FL, where he worked at Disney’s Wide World of Sports for fun and socializing. Ultimately, the greatest joys in their life, their growing family, called them back north fulltime. Norman and Mary are parents to Nancy and Leonard Jasmin (Middlefield, MA), Steven and Becky Cardinal (Springfield, MA), Donna and David Slora (Ludlow, MA), Jimmy and Nancy Falzone-Cardinal (Springfield, MA), Joan and Thomas Vance (Ludlow, MA) and Christine Martell (Palmer, MA). They had 24 total grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and a great, great grandchild is on the way. Norman will now reunite with Mary who passed away in 2015, and was his wife of 63 years as well as his sons David and Edmond Cardinal, daughter-in-law Moira Cardinal, grandson Joshua Cardinal and great grandsons Max and Leo Alves who all predeceased him. Visiting hours for Norman will be Tuesday evening June 20th from 5:00-7:00pm at the Ludlow Funeral Home. His funeral will take place on Wednesday morning, assembling at 8:45 at the Funeral Home and proceeding to St. Elizabeth's Parish for a 10:00am Liturgy of Christian Mass, followed by burial with Military Honors in Island Pond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Norman’s memory to: the Ludlow Veterans’ Assistance Fund, Ludlow Veterans’ Services, 487 Holyoke Street, Ludlow, MA 01056.
To plant a tree in memory of Norman E. Cardinal, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
20
Jun
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Funeral Liturgy
Wednesday
21
Jun
10:00 AM
St. Elizabeth Parish (St. John the Baptist)
181 Hubbard Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
Island Pond Cemetery
499 Center Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056
Loading...
