In memory of

Albert J. Cadola

Jul 11, 1938
Nov 22, 2017

Obituary

Albert J. Cadola, (Big Al), 79, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at Salem Hospital after a long struggle with asbestosis surrounded by his daughters.

Al is survived by his three daughters, Tami Hagen, Amy Ammon and Gena Truitt; and his six grandchildren, Joey Eaos, Alex Ammon, Evie Cadola, Timmy Hagen, Jaden Cadola and Tavious Truitt.

Big Al has a diverse history full of friends, new homes, new jobs and even two careers. Al is from a very small town, Fort Jones, CA where he was born July 11, 1938 to Nilda Mastellato and Eugene Cadola. Al helped out in the family business; the local pub/restaurant then Al went on to serve in the US Navy. In the Navy he was stationed in San Diego and Japan. After his service in the military he dabbled with some college but then went into the Forest Service where he served for over 20 years. After his federal service Al went on to a second career in security.

Al married Carol Napier December 31st, 1974. Al and Carol were married for 20 years when Carol passed away August 25th, 1996.

Al moved around a lot for his career and made many friends a long the way. Al’s career started in Detroit, OR, then moved to Seattle, WA, then Hillsboro, OR, then up to Laurel, OR, down to Aloha, OR then finally settling in Salem, OR where he has lived for the last 18 years.

In all of his life, Al, had an affinity for cars. Al could not hold on to a car for too long! He was always looking for a new passion. In his life it looks as if Al had over 43 cars (that we know of). The most memorable are the 1919 Model T, the 1980’s Nissan 300 ZX, 1990’s Jeep Grand Cherokee’s, Al refurbished a couple Mercedes, he loved to drive around in his 2009 BMW convertible, but his favorite was his 2014 BMW 550.

The celebration of Al Cadola will be December 9th, 2017 at 2pm at 134 Missouri Ave S, Salem OR, 97302 and the celebration will continue at his home after the service.

Service Information

Celebration of Life
Saturday December 9, 2017 2PM
Johnson Funeral Home
134 Missouri Ave S Salem, OR 97302
Celebration to continue at his home following the service

Gallery

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Joe and Ann Ragsdale says:

    We have many fond memories of Al. He will be missed and yes, we still have the cookbook that he and Carol gave us so long ago. Never will he be forgotten. RIP

  2. Tim and Cisca says:

    First thing that comes to mind about Al is his laugh. Next are all the wonderful meals and good times we had together. Because of Al, my favorite way to cook is on the Kamado.
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to Amy, Tami and Gena and the rest of the family.

  3. Mick and Cheryl says:

    Goodbye Albert John,
    We have been so lucky that you shared your life with us for the past 30 years.
    Sharing is what you did so well. Your stories, your feelings, your passions (and opinions), your home, your family, your love. You truly changed our lives.
    We celebrate your life fondly and feel comfort in the many happy memories you left with us. Until we meet again, Love from Mick and Cheryl...

  4. Verna Ketchum says:

    Prayers to all of you for your loss of Al. There is no replacing him. I worked closely with him for several years at Detroit. Can't help but love the guy. He was funny. He could drive you up a wall. He was smart and had a lot of knowledge for his job. My thoughts of him this last week have made me laugh and made me cry. He had a lot of friends and he will be missed by all of them. Love you Al.

  5. Chris and Roxane Emerson says:

    Prayers for him and his family. You are loved and will be missed.

  6. Kenny says:

    Sincere Condolences to the Cadola Family. I knew Al through mutual friends (Mick and Cheryl) and he was a really nice man with a big heart and great sense of humor. RIP Al.

  7. Earl Ammon says:

    He was a really great father in law had a lot of really good and fun times together. RIP pops I will really miss you.

  8. Bill Cadola Jr. says:

    RIP Uncle Al. We love ya.

  9. Johnson Funeral Home Staff says:

    May Albert's family find the peace and comfort they seek. He raised wonderful daughters and that speaks volumes to his character. Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home.

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