Dominic J. Cardinale

Dominic “Dan” J. Cardinale, 94, formerly of Emmaus, PA, passed away on Monday, August 17th, 2026 in Libertyville, IL. Born June 10, 1932, in Brooklyn NY, Dan was the son of the late James and Jennie Cardinale. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Micaela J. Cardinale, currently of Libertyville IL. Dan is also survived by his three children, Jean Cardinale (Tammy Brackett), Joe Cardinale (Sara Cardinale), and Julie Cardinale. He is also survived by grandchildren Jordan Cardinale (Roo Cardinale) and Anthony Cardinale. Dan was preceded in death by his sisters Anna and Helen, and brothers Charlie and Fred. From an early age, Dan valued the importance of education and opportunity. He was nominated to attend Brooklyn Technical High School, one of the (then) three specialized New York City high schools, graduating in 1950. Dan was a proud veteran of the US Army and Army Reserves, serving during the Korean war in the US Army Security Agency, from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1960. After returning home, Dan attended Pratt Institute, graduating with highest honors with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering in 1958. He later received a Master of Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1962. After college Dan worked for General Electric at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. One of his proudest achievements was his work testing control system circuitry for the US Navy as it converted to a nuclear powered fleet. He went on sea trials for the USS Bainbridge, the Navy’s first nuclear powered destroyer/cruiser, and later accepted a position as the Chief Electrical Control System and Implementation Tester and went on sea trials with the USS Truxton. After working for six years at Sargent & Lundy in Chicago, Dan accepted a position with Pennsylvania Power and Light where he worked until his retirement in 1994. Over the course of his career, Dan helped design nuclear power plant control systems around the world, including in the US and Europe. Dan and Micaela lived in New Jersey, New York, and Illinois before moving to Emmaus PA in 1981. Dan was a longtime member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and a dedicated member of Kiwanis International. Beyond professional accomplishments, Dan cherished the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed playing bridge with Micaela and friends for many years. Micaela and Dan had a shared love of opera and looked forward to their trips to see live performances at Lincoln Center in New York City. Dan loved a good meal and often reminisced about the great Italian food from his family and the culinary joys that came with growing up in Brooklyn. He fondly remembered youthful summers in Mastic Beach with his parents, grandparents, and extended family, especially fishing with his brothers and the large family gatherings that brought everyone together. Dan will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, willingness to tinker, and for a life of meaningful accomplishments. He was a man who took great pride in his education, his family, and his contributions to the field of nuclear engineering. Dan shares his love with his wife, his immediate and extended family, and with his friends. We will miss him dearly. There will be a calling hour and Celebration of Life at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 20, at 150 Elm Street in Emmaus, PA. A visitation hour will be held at the church at 1:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm and interment in St Margaret’s memorial garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: • St Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 150 Elm Street, Emmaus, PA 18049 • The Emmaus Kiwanis Foundation Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. For information: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Dominic J. Cardinale

June 10, 1932 - August 17, 2026