GENEVA- James L. Cardinale, Jr., 66, passed away on Wed. (May 17, 2023), at home. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Tues. (May 23), at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home LLC, 28 Genesee St. Geneva. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Contributions may be directed to the Geneva Little League.

James was born on Nov. 16, 1956, in Geneva and was a son of the late James L. and Susan Ann (Massa) Cardinale, Sr. He was a 1975 graduate of DeSales High School, and later saved the high school by raising money to keep the doors open. James was a chef who worked at many local restaurants including, the Belhurst Castle, Club 86 and Bagels and cakes. He owned and operated Cousins Pizza and Jim's Deli, in Geneva, the Village Café, in Phelps and Cousins Piza in Waterloo. He enjoyed sports, but loved a good game of football, especially if it was the Dallas Cowboys. James coached little League, softball and DeSales football.

He is survived by his children, Susan (Sherman Gibson) Cardinale of Geneva, James (Brianna) Cardinale III of Geneva, Joseph Cardinale of Geneva, Anthony (Tracy) Cardinale of Waterloo and Angelina Cardinale of Waterloo; brothers, Jack (Mary) Cardinale of Canandaigua and Mark Cardinale of Geneva; Grandchildren, Kendric, Malihcai, Niqo, Lilyanna, Gianna, Braelyn, Benjamin (predeceased), Lucas and Amelia; great-granddaughter, A'Raya; former spouse and mother to his children, Barbara Passalacqua of Seneca Falls; life-long friend, Amanda Rivera of Canandaigua and her son Jacob Rivera of Pennsylvania, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.