Raymond Robert Cardarelli

Raymond "Ray" Robert Cardarelli, a longtime resident of Havertown, PA, passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of seventy-five. 

Born in Philadelphia on May 2, 1951, Ray was the son of the late Peter and Rose (nee Rufo) Cardarelli. He was a proud graduate of St. Thomas More High School, Class of 1969.

Ray spent most of his life in Havertown, building a beautiful life and raising his family. His great love story began in 1970, when he met his future wife, April, while they were both working at Sears. Two years later, following a memorable date to see the film X, Y & Zee, the couple became engaged, and they married the following year. They shared a wonderful life together. 

Ray had a unique way of making everyone around him laugh. His sense of humor was legendary, best captured by his favorite comeback, always delivered with affection: "Go f yourself." For many years he was the heart of the Cardarelli Christmas Party, dressing up as Santa Claus, singing Christmas carols, and handing out gifts. 

Professionally, Ray enjoyed a successful career as a recruiting manager and headhunter where his natural charisma and way with people made him a perfect fit for connecting others with new opportunities. However, his true "side hustle" was playing the ponies, a hobby he approached with a jokingly professional level of dedication. He loved the thrill of betting on horse races, and he eagerly looked forward to the start of fantasy football season every single year. 

When he was younger, Ray was an avid golfer, out on the course as many weekends as he could manage when he wasn't spending the summer down the shore. Even after his playing days were behind him, he remained a devoted sports fan, happily watching golf, the Phillies, and the Eagles. He was a man of distinct tastes: his favorite color was purple, and he found great relaxation in adult coloring books and board games. 

There are so many small things his family will deeply miss. You could always count on a phone call from him to sing "Happy Birthday" to each of his kids and grandkids, every single year. His family will forever carry with them his unwavering encouragement as a father and grandfather, his boundless sense of humor, and, most especially, his laugh. 

Ray is survived by his three children: his daughter, Brooke Ann Huff (James) of Ardmore, PA; his son, Brett Victor Cardarelli (Rebecca) of Newtown Square, PA; and his daughter, Kerry Elizabeth Wynne (Hugh) of Broomall, PA. He also leaves his grandchildren, Therese, Evan, Addison, Taylor, and Blake, as well as his cat Bella who he adored. 

He is also survived by his brother, Peter Cardarelli (Lucille); his sister-in-law, Rachel Cardarelli; his brother-in-law, Rick Milano (Dana); and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, April, who passed away on June 22, 2020, Ray was predeceased by his siblings, Donato Cardarelli (Nettie), Rosalie Saraco (Paul), Josephine Sorrentino (Anthony), and Anthony Cardarelli, as well as his beloved parents-in-law, Victor and Nancy Milano.

Family and friends are invited to honor Raymond at his services on Friday, September 11, 2026, beginning with a Viewing, 9:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073. Interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.