Leo P. Cardarelli Sr., lifelong Quincy resident, at 90, veteran and advocate for vets

Leo P. Cardarelli Sr. of Quincy died Saturday at the VA Hospital in West Roxbury. He was 90.

He was born and raised in Quincy where he lived all his life.

He attended Quincy High School.

He served three voyages to Europe as a Merchant Marine during WWII.

Mr. Cardarelli was part of a convoy diverted to France that delivered ammunition at U.S. troops during the Battle of the Bulge.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps and participated in the Occupation of China for 33 months where he assisted with the surrender of Japanese forces.

Mr. Cardarelli was employed as a sales manager in the Quincy office of the W.C. Canniff & Sons Monument Co. for more than 20 years.

He was still working at the time of his passing.

Mr. Cardarelli liked to provide personal finance assistance to families of veterans by discounting his commission.

He also served as director of sales at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree for 33 years.

Mr. Cardarelli enjoyed golf and playing softball and baseball during his younger years.

He organized the first William R. Caddy Golf Classic in 1990, was a driving force in changing the name of Treasure Island on Wollaston Beach to P.F.C. William R. Caddy Memorial Park and marched with veterans in various parades, including Quincy’s Christmas Parade.

He was an active advocate for veterans and their families and served as past state commandant of the Marine Corps League, which he was a lifelong member of, and as past commandant of the William R. Caddy Marine Corps League Detachment #124 in Quincy.

He was also a member of the 1st and 6th Marine Division Associations, the China-Burma-India-Association, the China Marine Association, VFW Bryant Post #613, the Morrisette American Legion Post #294 and the Quincy DAV.

Former husband of the late Theresa (Brown), Mr. Cardarelli is survived by nine sons, Peter and Mark of Dorchester, Dennis and Joseph of Quincy, Michael of Scottsdale, Ariz., Scott DeMarco of Somersworth, N.H., Leo Jr. of Fitchburg, Christopher of Stoughton and Andrew of Carver; a daughter, Regina Cameron of Weymouth; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and former wife Patricia (Scholar) of Quincy.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Saint John the Baptist Church, Quincy.

Interment will be in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

Arrangements by Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals Inc., Quincy.