Joseph G. Cardiff

Joseph Gerard Cardiff died at his home on May 19, 2017, after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Joe was born on November 11, 1954, in Shenandoah, PA. A lifelong resident of Harford County, he began his education at the Havre de Grace Special School before the opening of the John Archer School. He graduated from John Archer in 1976 an, and thereafter received outstanding vocational and later residential support from the Arc Northern Chesapeake Region. He had many successful positions including working at the Holiday Inn in Aberdeen, the Bank of Forest Hill, Edgewood Arsenal and at the Arc location in Aberdeen. He was also a volunteer for many years at the Lorien Riverside in Belcamp. Joe enjoyed music, dancing, watching videos and socializing and was a member of many clubs including People on the Go and People First. He served as an advocate for persons with disabilities and made many trips to Annapolis as a spokesperson. In 2005 he was selected as the "Self-Advocate of the Year" for the state of Maryland Arc and he wowed the large audience with his acceptance speech. He was also a lifelong member of St. Joan of Arc Church. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Patrick Cardiff, who was a retired Aberdeen Proving Ground firefighter, and Eleanore Loretta Cardiff, a retired Registered Nurse who worked for many years at the Citizen's Care Center. He is survived by his sister, Geralyn Cardiff Praskievicz and brother-in-law Robert Praskievicz of Derwood, MD; a nephew, James Praskievicz (Nancy) of Gaithersburg, MD; a niece, Erin Thornes (Andrew) of Olney, MD, one great nephew, three great nieces, his Godparents Mary Jo Gaydos and James Flannery, his Aunt Helen Flannery, and many loving cousins and friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 3 at 10:30am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 257 South Law St., Aberdeen. A visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30am prior to his service. Interment with his parents will follow at a later date at Annunciation Cemetery in Shenandoah, PA. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, 4513 Philadelphia Ave., Aberdeen, MD 21001. Funeral Home: Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home 333 South Parke Street Aberdeen, MD US 21001