Monsignor Daniel E. Cardelli

Msgr. Daniel E. Cardelli passed away peacefully on December 29, 2021, after his huge heart had no more to give. The ministry, counseling, evangelizing to parishioners in six parishes, and serving in several organizations and wherever he had an opportunity as a priest were his greatest joy. He celebrated innumerable baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and unselfishly ministered to the sick and troubled.

Msgr. Cardelli was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on October 23, 1930, in a house his father built after immigrating from Orentano, Italy. After WW2, his parents Angelo B. and Faustina (Fanny) Cardelli moved their large family of 5 boys to South San Francisco. He graduated from San Mateo’s Serra High School class of 1948, where he became president of his class, captain of the football team, and inductee into the Serra High School Football Hall of Fame.

As a boy, Msgr. Cardelli felt called to the priesthood and entered St. Joseph Seminary in 1948. He completed studies at St Patrick’s Seminary and was ordained in San Francisco on June 15, 1957. He was the first Serra High graduate to be ordained a priest.

His first assignment was at St John Vianney Church in San Jose, followed by St. Leo in San Jose, Santa Maria in Orinda, and St. Bede in Hayward. In 1970 he was appointed Pastor of St. Peter Martyr Church in Pittsburg, and in 1978 he became Pastor of St. Isidore Church in Danville, where he served for 27 years until his retirement. He was named a prelate of honor on February 10, 2009, by Pope Saint John Paul, and thereby acquired the title of Monsignor.

Msgr. Cardelli was a man of intense spiritual commitment and action. Pride and dedication were evident throughout his priestly service. The expansion of the St. Isidore’s school and church facilities stand out as testament to the impressive growth he shepherded during his years there. The $13.5 million project, begun in 1996, doubled the size of the school and added computer, science, and performing arts classrooms to the campus, and the Parish Ministry and Activities Center was constructed to house the parish administrative offices, meeting rooms, a double gymnasium, and commercial kitchen, where he often cooked his momma’s famous sauce.

Until his passing, he remained active in the Oakland Diocese and was the Vicar for the Retired Priests, National Spiritual Director for the Italian Catholic Federation, Chaplain of ICF Branch 352, a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher, a member of the YMI, and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.

In addition to serving as a priest, he was a private pilot, sailor, and great Italian cook; and he raised rabbits, honeybees, and canaries as hobbies during his life.

Fr. Dan was fiercely proud of his Italian heritage. At St Isidore Parish he was known for his mother Fannie’s meat sauce, which was always a sought-after auction item at various parish functions.

He was preceded in death by his parents Angelo and Faustina, and brothers Robert L, Richard, and Paul.

He is survived by his brother Alindo “Lin” (Gloria) Cardelli, sisters-in-law Elaine and Laura, his “6th Brother” Fr. Harry Yim of Honolulu, his lifetime dear friend Peggy McCarthy of Alameda, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in Italy, France, and the US.

He is also survived by his beloved brother priests throughout the Bay Area and the world.

For all his service, Msgr. Cardelli wanted only to be remembered as a simple but good priest.

Friends and family are invited to his services at St Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way Danville, CA on Monday, January 10, 2022. Visitation will be at 10 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to:

St Isidore’s Parish or St Isidore School, ICF Branch 352, Provedenza Fund of The ICF or Knights of Columbus 4060, St Isidore Branch All addressed to 440 La Gonda Way Danville CA 94526