Longtime East Boston activist
and community leader Joanne
Cardinale, shown here with
her beloved husband, Peter
at the Golden Stairs Terrace
in Jeffries Point, died Monday
night.
Joanne Cardinale, a longtime community activists and a fixture at East Boston community meetings, neighborhood events and political times, has died.
Mrs. Cardinale, a lifelong East Boston resident who, along with her longtime husband, Peter, died late Monday night after a brief illness.
Mrs. Cardinale was born and raised here and educated in East Boston schools.
A resident of Jeffries Point, Mrs. Cardinale for decades spent her time fighting for more neighborhood parks, rallying against Logan Airport expansion, and supporting community groups, non-profits and her neighbors.
Mrs. Cardinale was a member of PiersPAC, a community group that was established to keep a watchful eye on East Boston treasured open spaces like Piers Park and Bremen Street Park.
“Joanne was a stella PiersPAC board member who held her role in high esteem and worked tirelessly to see that the superb and pristine condition of the parks were maintained at all times,” said PiersPAC President Robert Strelitz. “In support of this she firmly opposed any effort to engage the parks for commercial or political purposes. Her clear vision and resolute stance will be deeply missed by PiersPAC members and the community.”
Mrs. Cardinale was a longtime member of Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association and was never shy to speak her voice on controversial issues. Usually with Peter by her side, Mrs. Cardinale would call them as she saw them and had the uncanny ability of putting Massport administrators or proponents of projects in their place.
“I was absolutely crushed when I received the notice of Joanne’s passing,” said Representative Carlo Basile. “I, like many, considered Joanne a force for East Boston. She always stood up for what she believed in, but more so East Boston lost a daughter and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Peter and his children.”
Mrs. Cardinale was also an avid supporter of neighborhood events and was a regular at East Boston’s large community wide celebrations. She was also an avid political supporter and was a fixture at campaign kickoffs and fundraisers.
“My family and I are saddened by the passing of Joanne Cardinale,” said Senator Anthony Petruccelli. “She was a strong voice for Jeffries Point and all of East Boston for many years and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.”
In one of her last public appearances, Mrs. Cardinale attended City Councilor’s Sal LaMattina’s annual block party last Saturday. She spent the time chatting with friends, eating and having an all around good time with LaMattina and his family.
“I am sadden of the loss of Joanne Cardinale, she is a personal friend who I loved dearly,” said LaMattina. “I have served with her on the East Boston Pier PAC for many years. She has been a long time neighborhood activist in Jeffries Point and has been very active in the early years of Eastie Pride Day.”
A Funeral Mass has been scheduled for Monday at Sacred Heart Church. For more information please visit www.ruggieromh.com.