What can you say about a man who impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of students throughout the world?  That he was a kind and generous man who worked extremely hard to provide for his family?  That he gave freely of his time and labor to assist friends and neighbors?  That he joined the military service and rose to the rank of colonel in the United States Marine Corps?  That he served the Department of Defense for 30 years and never forgot about the sacrifices made by service members, and more importantly, believed that their children deserved a world class education?

While these random comments are all too true, they provide little insight into the dedication, commitment, and courage of this man whose vision helped to shape DoDDS.  Dr. Anthony Cardinale's legacy is cast in the lives of the students, teachers, administrators, and military commanders he worked with during his tenure as the Director of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools.  Up to 1964, when Dr. Cardinale became the first Coordinating Director for DoD schools around the world, the DoD schools fell under the military services in each theater. 

Dr. Cardinale always demonstrated and maintained a level of collaboration with the military commands throughout the world.  As a retired colonel, he held high expectations for our teachers and administrators, and ensured that children came first.  It was under his guidance that the initial structure of DoDDS was established to unify and standardize educational programs and curriculum in the schools in Europe and the Pacific. 

He never forgot to do the simple things like taking time to acknowledge and recognize educators, colleagues, and community members for their support to the schools and the students.  Dr. Cardinale treasured his relationship with the overseas schools.  On several occasions, he attended the DoDDS Reunion and addressed members of the American Overseas Schools Historical Society, giving them insight into the politics of DoDDS at the time he was director.

Dr. Anthony Cardinale died in his sleep on March 29, 2009, in his home in Ft. Myers, Florida, from complications of ALS, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease."  He received his Masters and Doctoral degrees from George Washington University.  He was a past Board Member of the Fairfax County School Board in Virginia, the Knights of Columbus and St. Coletta School for the Handicapped.

Colleagues and friends can send condolences to his wife, Patricia, and the family at the following address:

               Mrs. Patricia Cardinale
               5585 Kensington Loop
               Ft. Myers, FL  33912

An online guest book has also been established for those wishing to express their sympathy and remembrances at:  http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=6348087285476.

Dr. Cardinale will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  This seems a fitting resting place for one who spent most of his life either in the military or serving the children of military members.