Joseph M. Cardaci, Jr. '84

The family of Joseph M. Cardaci, Jr. ’84 established this fund to provide annual scholarships for two student athletes who foster the spirit of caring and excellence that Joe, Jr. exhibited during his years at Good Counsel.

Joe was an exceptional young man – loving, kind, handsome, affable, and very caring. He grew up in Rockville and attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, where he was a member of the Honor Society. He starred in track and football, being named in his junior year to the Washington Post’s All-Metropolitan Football Team. After graduating from Good Counsel in 1984, Joe attended the University of Delaware on a football scholarship.

As gifted an athlete as he was, Joe was perhaps at least as happy in his accomplishments outside of sports – those times he was able to give of himself to others. He was twice selected to be a student leader on Good Counsel religious retreats. As part of his senior community service project, Joe coached a Special Olympics basketball team to Maryland’s state finals.

In the last few years of his life, Joe lived and worked with his brother Jim. He was Jim’s partner, his left-handed right-hand man, in Capitol Lawn and Landscape. During this time, Joe volunteered in several area homeless shelters and received a letter of commendation from the Housing Secretary’s office recognizing his efforts to clean up playgrounds for inner city youth.

Joe lived simply. He loved with all his heart, did all he could, and tried to let God do the rest. He wanted life to be perfect and society to be conscious of recognizing the dignity and worth of each human being. Throughout his life, he exemplified how people needed to give of themselves for the betterment of all. He left us with this thought: “Do all that you can do because that’s all you can do … and let God do the rest.”