LINCOLNVILLE — Anthony Joseph Cardner, 61, died at his home surrounded by his family and caregivers on Monday, April 12, 2021.

Born on October 5, 1959 in Long Branch, New Jersey, he was the son of Michael M.P. and Carmela (D’Anthony) Cardner. Anthony lived most of his life in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, with his parents, and his older brother, Mike. In 1978, they moved to Lincolnville to be closer to his sister, Michele and her family. For several years during the winter months, they lived in Marble Falls, Texas moving back to Maine permanently in 2000.
Anthony and his brother, Mike, were both born with CTX, a rare degenerative genetic disease of the brain which attacks the entire body.

Anthony completed high school at Camden-Rockport High School and participated in the Maine Special Olympics running the course with Mr. Perry Goodspeed.

Over the years, he was employed in Camden at Coastal Workshop, Merry Spring Gardens, and his favorite, Marriner’s Restaurant, where he became great lifelong friends with Dan Gabrielle, the owner.

For the past five years, Anthony’s disease progressed and he was confined to a wheel chair and homebound.

Predeceased by his parents, Michael and Carmela Cardner, and his brother, Michael; he is survived by his sister, Michele (James) Malone; niece, Michele “Toni” (Ronald) Carpentier; great-nephew, Justin; great-great nieces, Trinity and Jay-Lynne; niece, Stacey (Matt) Rossiter, great-niece, Cassandra (Chris) McKellar; great-great nephew, Lukas Camber and great-great niece, Macy Iris McKellar.

The family wishes to thank Joe Kuhn of Beacon Family Living, employees past, and present caretakers for 12 years of excellent care they’ve given to the Cardner “boys”. Also special thanks to Beacon Hospice for their help and care in this transition.

“Walk through” calling hours will be Saturday, April 17, 2021, from 3 - 5 p.m., in accordance with CDC guidelines.

The mass will be held Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7 Union Street, Camden. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery in Camden. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to PAWS, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.