Paul M. Cardoza

Paul M Cardoza Jr, 83, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born September 10, 1939, he was the son of the late Isabelle (Lopez) Cardoza and the late Paul M. Cardoza Sr. He was the beloved husband of Ernestine Harris-Cardoza.

A product of Providence Schools, Paul graduated from Hope High School and in 1963 he enlisted in the US Army. In 1965 after leaving the army, he married Elizabeth Fontes and they had 2 Children.

Paul loved being a soldier so much that after discharge from the Army, he enlisted in the RI Army National Guard. There he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major, becoming the first African-American to do so in the state. Paul was active in many organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the IBA, and a member of the American Legion. He was very active in the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of RI, having entered in Celestial Lodge #2 in 1965. He was a Past Potentate of Constantine Temple #14, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. He was a 33rd degree Mason and rose to the position of MW Grand Master, which he served from 2008- 2010. He was a member of Queen of Sheba Chapter, OES-RI.

He worked for the Federal Government, first in Personnel, then the Department of Defense and ending in the Department of Education as a Civil Rights investigator. Paul was also a member of the YMCA where he played handball, racquetball, and squash. He loved to kayak and he also was a runner.

He married Ernestine Harris in 2010. In 2012 he became a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and continued to practice his faith until his death.

Besides his wife Ernestine, he leaves to mourn his children, daughters Beatrice Gomes of Cranston and Lisa Cardoza Dennis-Lopes (Vincent) of Providence and his son, Keith Cardoza Sr. (Laverne) of Richmond RI. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Ti-Ondra Gomes of Cranston, Keith Cardoza (Jonelie) of Richmond RI, Aaryn Cardoza of St. Petersburg FL, and Keishanna Cardoza of Atlanta, and 4 great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves 3 step-children: Trinette Harris-Reid of EP, Ernie Brown of Atlanta and Terrell Brown of Providence along with 11 step-grands and 2 step great-grands. He also leaves a host of family and friends who affectionately called him “Poppop”.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.