Juanito Cardona

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of our dear husband, Dad and Grandpa - Juanito Garcia Cardona - on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at MacKenzie Health Richmond Hill Hospital, following a 2-year battle with cancer. He was 84. 

He is dearly loved and missed by his wife of 57 years, Eldie Dario Cardona; daughters, Judy Cardona Gamez (Jay Gamez) and Cindy Cardona (Norman Bunoan); predeceased by son, Jesse Cardona; and four beloved grandchildren, Jessica & Justin Gamez and Mia & Chloe Bunoan; and siblings, Eliseo Cardona (Rexy Cardona), Lita Cardona Digdigan (Percival Digdigan), Gabriel Acob (Susana Acob), Lewelyn Acob Ferriol (Nemuel Ferriol); predeceased by Jovencia Cardona Dalisay (Antero Dalisay) and nieces and nephews in California and Hawaii.

Affectionately known as ‘Manong, Kuya, Ninong and Brother Jesse’ or simply ‘Jess’ by many, he will be remembered by his steadfast faith in God, his kindness, infectious optimism, generosity, humility and ability to make one feel welcomed and loved. He was known for his beautiful floral and vegetable gardens - often sharing the bounties of the harvest; and his famous Cardona fruit salad. 

Jesse immigrated to Canada from the Philippines with the early wave of Registered Nurses being offered employment in the late 1960’s. He and wife Eldie mentored many young nurses and healthcare professionals (including their siblings) who followed after them. Together they served at the Adventist hospital, North York Branson Hospital and then North York General Hospital - Branson Division for 35 years prior to retirement. He was a man of faith who was passionate about church ministry. After attending and serving at the Willowdale and Filipino-Canadian Seventh-day Adventist Churches, he had the honour of working with the original Building Committee and was one of the pillars in the founding of the Mount Zion Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church. He served in various roles - Elder, Food Bank Manager, Health Ministry & Personal Ministry Leader. Later, he, along with wife Eldie, responded to God’s Prompting, to help plant and establish the Fairhavens Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vaughan, ON addressing the need for a church to serve families in York Region. 

Family and Friends are invited to celebrate the life of our dear husband, Dad and Grandpa - who lived a rich, inspiring, prayerful and blessing-filled life.