John J. Cardarelli, Sr.

John Joseph Cardarelli, Sr., age 89, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2023, surrounded by his family. John had suffered from dementia and cancer for several years.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Dominick and Mary Cardarelli; and sister Rosemarie Steele (Cardarelli). He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Cardarelli, and four children: Debbie Cardarelli, Julie (Joe) Hice, John Jr. (Melinda) Cardarelli, Michael Cardarelli; his 10 grandchildren, Alex, Jessy, Shelby, Nick, Taylor, Anthony, Maria, Dominic, Donovan and Daniel. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Mike Steele (Rosemarie); and two nieces, Kathy (Michi) Steele and Chris (Alan) Schehr.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH on February 3, 1934, John attended Purcell High School, graduating in 1952. He served active duty in the United States Army from 1953 – 1956 during the Korean war. He returned to Cincinnati and became a local radio celebrity/DJ, working under the stage name Johnny Paris, and became known as the Paris Revolution. He simultaneously attended the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Radio/Television/Drama; and then moved to Hollywood having performed in numerous tv shows, movies and plays; even promoted many Stars. He returned to Cincinnati in 1961 where he resumed a career as a local tv reporter/anchor for several tristate networks. He met his beautiful bride, and they settled in Anderson Township in 1967 and ultimately retired in Clermont County. As an entrepreneur, John formed a marketing company, Paris Enterprises, where one of his biggest accomplishments was securing the marketing rights of the Harlem Globetrotters creating the first red, white and blue basketball, as well as publishing a local tennis magazine, Tennis Talk.

John was fondly known for his charismatic personality and deep, crisp speaking voice and became the first announcer at the then ATP Tennis Tournament where he volunteered for many years, becoming known as the Voice of the ATP. He loved sports marketing and was instrumental in bringing the first original professional soccer team, the Cincinnati Comets, to Cincinnati where he was general manager.

Most of all, John was a faithful husband and dedicated father, someone who would command a crowd and bring joy to all around him. In his retirement he enjoyed the horses and being at the racetrack.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, at 10:00 am with Mass to follow at 11:00, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hyde Park, 2853 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any Alzheimer’s/Dementia organization or any US Armed Services charities - i.e. Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers.