Wendell Philip Cadarette, 86, of Whitehall, New York, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 at his winter residence in Lake Mary, Fla.
He was born on August 3, 1925 in Worcester, Mass., the son of Philip and Leona Cadarette.
Wendell was a retired U.S. Border Patrol agent. He was a Border Patrolman for 25 years. Prior to that, he was a licensed aircraft mechanic in California.
Wendell was also a veteran of World War II, serving from Aug. 2, 1943 through Jan. 28, 1946. He was a paratrooper in the Pacific Theater, serving with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. He earned the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Philippine Liberation Medal.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Lucille Moen. He has two surviving sisters, Alice Humphrey and Corinne Johnson of Worcester, Mass.
Wendell moved to Whitehall with his family back in 1959. He was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and he was a communicant of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Whitehall.
His hobbies included card playing, bike riding, wood working, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. In his younger days, Wendell was an avid motorcycle rider, snowmobiler, and was a certified pilot for small aircraft. Wendell always said that he was glad he lived long enough to see his beloved Boston Red Sox win a championship and break the “Curse of the Bambino.”
Wendell is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Alice (O’Hara) Cadarette, 82; his daughter Lynne Cadarette of Lake Mary, Florida; his daughter Erin West of Newport News, Virginia; his daughter Christine lam of Amagansett, New York; his son Philip Cadarette of Bryan, Texas; his son Paul Cadarette of Hemet, California; and his son Daniel Cadarette of Whitehall, New York. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was held on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 at the Historic Chapel Catholic Church in Sanford, Florida at 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in Wendell’s name to the American Heart Association, the American Legion, or the Knights of the Columbus.