Robert Cardona

 Robert Francis Cardona “Bob” passed away at his home in Wilsall, MT on June 5, 2024, at the age of 89.  He was a beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bob was born on January 19, 1935, in Portland, ME to Angelo and Dorothy Cardona.  He was a middle child of nine kids.  He received his education in Portland and enlisted in the Army in 1953 at Fort Williams, ME.  He fought in the Korean War and was awarded the Korean & Defense Service Medal, and the Bronze Service Star.  He was honorably discharged in June 1955.

He met his wife of 62 years on his travels through Montana.  They were married March 17, 1958, at the Little Flower Church in Billings, MT.  As they began married life together, they resided in Billings where Bob worked for NP Transfer.  Here, they had their first three children, Mike, Kathy, and Peggy.  Eventually Bob took a transfer that brought them to Spokane where their fourth child, David, was born.  His final transfer came when they moved their family to Wilsall, MT in 1974.  At this time, their fifth child Mary was born.  For over 15 years Bob would work for the Northern Pacific Transport.

He had many hobbies throughout his life, bowling, hunting, fishing, trap shooting at the Park County Rod & Gun club, watching birds, reading, working with tools in his garage, going into the mountains, watching movies from the 50’s and westerns and visiting with any of his many friends.

Bob loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them above all else and his hobbies included members of the family partaking in the fun.  He also enjoyed candy and sweets and was always happy to share his goodies with anyone, especially his seven great grandchildren.  

Bob is survived by his five children, Mike Cardona, Kathy (Bill) Michaelis, Peggy (Gary) Bostrom, David (Tiffany) Cardona, Mary (Shawn) Fowler, granddaughters Kristen (Cody) Walter, Amanda Otis, Ashley Gibbs, Samantha (Justin) Hostetler, Rose Fowler and seven great-grandchildren; Quintin, Makenzie, Hurley, Konnor, Mia, Jaxson, and Brady.  Also, he has two living siblings, Peggy McFarland and Madelyn Shaw. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorlores Cardona, parents and brothers Bill, Vincent, Lawrence, Paul, and sisters, Loraine and, Dotty.  

Dad you are already missed. Thank you for the tremendous amount of love, kindness and care you showed to all of us.  

The following bookmark with passage was found on the pillow next to his head at the time of his death, “Rejoice ALWAYS, PRAY without ceasing, GIVE thanks in all circumstances.”  1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2024, at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in Livingston followed by an interment at Wilsall Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post No. 23 Honor Guard.   A reception will follow the cemetery services at the Shields Valley Senior Center, 208 Elliot St., Wilsall, Montana.