John (Jack) Cardinalli

Aug. 30, 1934 – Nov. 11, 2015

John “Jack” Cardinalli passed away Wednesday afternoon on Nov. 11, 2015, at 81 years old. He was the son of John A. Cardinalli, a hard rock miner, and Hilda Cardinalli, a teacher in Eureka.

As a youth, Jack was first in his class, captain of the football team, and an Eagle Scout. Jack held a variety of jobs from baling hay to working in the mines on high school and college summer vacations. He received a full scholarship to the University of Nevada, Reno where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He graduated from the Mackay School of Mines in 1956 with a degree in geological engineering.

After he graduated from college, Jack trained in the US Army Reserves and took a position in the National Oceanic Administration for the Department of Defense. In this position, he helped develop soviet submarine tracking systems and lived for over one year aboard a US Naval vessel implementing the first sonar buoy protection of the United States.

Jack returned to Reno where he met Julie Moore, the love of his life. They married in Las Vegas in 1963 and started their family. Jack and Julie raised three children. Some of his shining moments were when his daughter was one of the first graduating females from the United States Naval Academy , with a degree in mechanical engineering and his sons passed the Bar and Certified Public Accountant exams.

Jack had been working for the State of Nevada Division of Water Resources as a Geological Engineer for many years until he found his true passion. He had a strong mathematical mind, and was well-known for being an excellent poker player, stock picker, and real estate investor. In fact, his shrewd decision making was helped by his willingness to take a run at anything.

Jack retired from his engineering job in 1984 but continued to trade stocks up until his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2008. Jack faced this long, debilitating illness without complaint.

Jack and Julie traveled extensively, including visits to six of the Seven Wonders of the New World. In their early years, they loved to travel by van with their kids, and toured throughout Canada and Mexico sleeping in the van. Jack and Julie also loved hiking.

Jack is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Julie Moore Cardinalli; daughter Frances and husband Dr. Quentin Franklin of Virginia Beach, VA; son John Thor Cardinalli and wife Amanda Walker of Reno; son Anthony Cardinalli and wife Kate Cavin of Reno. He is also survived by his brother, Dave Cardinalli of Mount Auckum, California; eight grandchildren, Hilde Franklin, Quentin Franklin, Jack Franklin, Cecile Cardinalli, Julie Cardinalli, Joseph Cardinalli, Kenneth Cardinalli, and John Cardinalli.

Jack was known for his sense of humor, kindness and generosity. The love of his life was always his family and their success and prosperity is directly attributable to his actions. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held in Eureka, Nevada in the spring of next year. We will keep you posted. We thank all of the doctors, nurses and numerous others who cared for Jack during his illness including Dr. Lagios, Dr. Craig and the staff of the Ormsby Heights Residential Care Home. Jack wanted no services, but if he is to be remembered, please send any donations on his behalf to: Eureka High School Alumni Association, PO Box 543, Eureka, NV 89316.