Wayne Michael Cardelli

Wayne Michael Cardelli peacefully passed away on January 8, 2026, in Carmichael, California at the age of 78.  Born in San Francisco on October 1, 1947, the only child of June Dolores Stamatis and Frank Leo Cardelli.  He grew up in Pacifica, California and graduated from Terra Nova High School in 1965   Wayne faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1971, attaining the rank of Sargent. He continued his education at California State University, Sacramento and competed on the golf team   He graduate in 1974 with a B.S. in Business Administration.

Wayne married his beloved wife, Jeanine Fornaciari in 1976 and settled in Citrus Heights, California where they raised two children, Paul and Michelle.  Always the involved dad, Wayne took great joy coaching his children in baseball and softball.  Weekends were always full tournaments, games and activities up and down the Sacramento Valley.

Wayne was the consummate salesman, meeting people and making friends wherever he went.  For nearly 20 years, Wayne was involved with sales at Markstein Beverage Company in Sacramento. In 1997, he began a new career when he joined National Write Your Congressman as an area representative. He trained and mentored many colleagues, received multiple awards and recognitions and rose to the position of Division Manager. Wayne’s exceptional work ethic, that he exhibited daily and also instilled in his children, led him to become a great ambassador for the work he loved until his retirement in 2024.

Golf was always his idea of an ideal day, and he rarely missed a chance to get out on the course with his buddies.  Baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants, was his passion Whether on T.V. or in person, he never left before the last out was made. 

Wayne is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jeanine; son Paul Cardelli his wife Elaine; grandchildren Luca, Cecelia, Nora and Quinn; and daughter Michelle Ballard and her husband A.J.; innumerable lifelong friends and associates; and, of course, his four-legged companion, Mr. Bently. 

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 16, at Price Funeral Chapel, 6335 Sunrise Blvd, Citrus Heights, California from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Wayne’s honor to the Giants Community Fund: https://www.mlb.com/giants/community/fund

Wayne will be remembered for his humor, loyalty and loving and kind nature.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

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