In Passing – January 2025

Robert Aldridge

Robert P. Aldridge Jr., 85, of Goodyear, Ariz. (PebbleCreek Community), passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2024, in Goodyear. Born June 14, 1939, in Richmond, Va., Bob grew up in North Carolina with his mother, Ruth, and brothers Michael and Steven. His father passed away when Bob was just 14. Bob joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot and air traffic controller, stationed in various locations including Texas, Florida, Germany, and Washington state. He earned a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina, where he developed a lifelong passion for the Tar Heels. Bob enjoyed many extracurricular activities in college, including theater, band, and fencing. He was also an avid dancer, always ready to hit the dance floor.

In 1969, Bob married Geanie Black, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Jonni, in 1970. After 20 years in the Air Force, Bob retired and pursued a second career in computer science. He worked as a Database Programmer for ConAgra Foods before retiring again to enjoy life at PebbleCreek in Goodyear, where he and Geanie made lifelong friends.

A talented cook, Bob spent hours perfecting his dishes, particularly his signature pasta carbonara, learned during a trip to Italy. He was passionate about words and loved sharing his love of science fiction, crossword puzzles, and music with his daughter. Bob was also an avid golfer, enjoyed road trips, and spent much time with friends at PebbleCreek. His deep love for animals, especially dogs, was evident, though he chose not to adopt another after losing his last two pets.

Bob was a proud and supportive husband, always cheering on Geanie in her successful career. His pride extended to his daughter and grandchildren, Logan and Campbell, whom he adored. He cherished the time spent with them, sharing stories of his travels and life experiences. Logan affectionately called him “Gum Gum,” a nickname Bob grew to love.

Bob was a natural conversationalist, always engaging with everyone from service workers to close friends. His Thursdays were often spent playing Mexican Train with friends, accompanied by cocktails and stories. He also had an extensive music collection, particularly jazz, and was known for his unique whistling, a constant soundtrack to his busy life.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Aldridge, his mother, Ruth Aldridge, and his brother Steven Aldridge. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Geanie Aldridge; daughter Jonni Ressler (Toby); grandchildren Logan and Campbell Ressler; and his brother Michael Aldridge (Donna).

A celebration of life will be held in early 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to organizations supporting Vietnam Veterans or the National Ambucs (ambucs.org) (P.O. Box 5127, High Point, N.C. 27262).

 

Sam Cardinale

Sam “George” Cardinale, son of Sam and Agnes Cardinal, was born on May 8, 1945, in Pueblo, Colo. On Oct. 14, 2024, he left us far too soon, passing unexpectedly in Goodyear, Ariz. At his side was his beloved wife, Julie, whom he married in 1997, and nearby, his loyal Shelties, Scout and Ranger. His passing, believed to have been due to a stroke, leaves a profound absence for all who knew him.

Sam’s life was one filled with laughter, friendship, and unwavering loyalty. His wife Julie, brothers Bob Cardinale, Dave Cardinal, and his lifelong friends, Joe and Tammy Khan, as well as Mark Matthews, will feel his absence deeply. Sam was the kind of friend everyone wants—devoted, generous, and quick to share a joke or lend a hand.

After graduating from South High School in Pueblo, Colo., in 1963, Sam pursued a degree in marketing at Santa Clara University, graduating in 1967. Over his career, Sam worked in human resources at some of the most reputable companies in the country, including The Bank of California, Levi Strauss, National Semiconductor, General Motors, Corn Nuts, Kendall Jackson, and Santen. Following his retirement, Sam and Julie made their home in Goodyear, Ariz., where they enjoyed the sunny days and slower pace of life.

Sam was known for his passions, and he pursued them all with gusto. A longtime golfer, he recently celebrated the proud achievement of “shooting his age” at 79—a feat few can claim. He was also an enthusiastic pickleball player, known for teaching the game to anyone willing to learn. And no one could rival Sam’s dedication to cars; he even turned his passion for car detailing into a business for a while. Sam was a talented stained-glass artist, crafting beautiful, intricate pieces for his family and friends. His very first creation was a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Agnes, who often said, “Give people their flowers while they can still smell them.” Honoring her wisdom, Sam made her a beautiful red rose in stained glass, a symbol of his love and her enduring influence on his life. He carried her words in his heart, offering not just flowers but bouquets of laughter, compassion, and kindness to everyone he met.

He was known for organizing get-togethers, filling any room with warmth and laughter. Alongside his brothers, he established a treasured annual tradition of a “brothers-only” weekend around their mother Agnes’s birthday. From Vegas to New Orleans, these trips were a mix of bonding, family stories, good-natured ribbing, and a few Italian-American family relations. Sam often joked, “I’m smiling because you’re my brothers, and I’m laughing because there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Sam was deeply connected to the Divine, and his spiritual side shone bright in many ways. Each morning, he began his day with an affirmation from the Daily Word, a practice he maintained faithfully, no matter where his journeys led him.

Sam Cardinale’s warmth, humor, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

 

Karen Gail Morgan

Karen Gail Morgan, aged 82, passed away peacefully and holding her husband’s hand, in Goodyear, Ariz., on Nov. 28, 2024.

Karen was born Jan. 12, in Los Angeles, Calif., to parents Georgette and Gail Watson. She moved to Stockton when she was just a few months old as her father had an opportunity to own and operate a business selling Schwinn bicycles.

Karen graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1957, and went on to pursue an administrative career with various organizations in the Stockton area, before purchasing Do Re Mi Nursery and Preschool in 1983. Karen successfully ran and expanded the business through the mid-1990s, but an aggressive, life-threatening cancer curtailed her ability to teach and develop young children, and forced her retirement and subsequent disposition of the business. Throughout her business career, Karen was known for kindness and compassion in helping others, as well as dedication, hard work, leadership, humor, and immeasurable care.

She was a devoted mother and stepmother, best friend to many, and incredible wife to her husband Frank. She loved spending time with family and always showed in her kind, calm, unique manner, her support, guidance, encouragement and undying love, no matter what challenges were being faced.

In her free time Karen loved to play golf and mahjong, she also loved to dance, read, make ceramics, attend the theater, and watch movies.

Following her husband’s retirement, she moved with him to Goodyear and the PebbleCreek community. She joined various clubs that enabled her to pursue her passions including the PebbleCreek Ladies 9-Hole Golf Association. She ultimately served two terms as President of the organization and loved working with fellow members in various positions following her term as President.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Frank, sons Michael Maris and Brian Maris, stepdaughters Jane Morgan and Alison Yocum, grandchildren, Jordan, Sydney, Jena, Carter, Ayva, and three great-grandchildren.

A private funeral service was held for the family on Dec. 14, 2024, and a Celebration of Life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen’s name to Yavapai Humane Society in Prescott, Ariz.