When I first met Jon, I was like “Who is this? And why is he ALWAYS around? And what’s so funny?” He did not hesitate to talk to me when we first met at Waldwick; he was so kind from the very beginning. He was always active and NEVER still. If he wasn’t saying some joke, while substituting for a teacher, you would most definitely find him playing basketball with the kids in the court. And how can I forget the basketball clinic he held with Mr.Locke? Oh boy, I really made a fool of myself there but he always assured met that I would make it to the WNBA in my next life…
As we became friends, I was drawn closer to the beautiful person he was: honest, gentle, kind, sincere, dedicated, determined, and (above all) loyal to that amazing love he had for his mother. I never knew of a man that loved his mother so much as Jonny did, Mrs. Cadavero and his sister were his life. Whenever I felt down, he always knew what joke to say to make me roll laughing and forget about my bad day. He always assured me that I was going to become someone successful no matter what obstacles I encountered in life.
I never agreed with Jonny in joining the army but he made it clear to me and many others that it was his duty to defend his country; his love for man was unconditional and by this he taught me that actions will always speak louder than words. Even in training in SC, TX and NY, he never complained about the torture he would go through; perhaps because he knew I would say “You see silly!!! I told you so”. Instead, he would brag about how good he going to look in his uniform, knowing that I would have no other choice but to laugh with him. Yet, in all seriousness, whenever I would ask him why he was doing this he would always reply “So that my mom, my sister, my family, Rusty, my friends, you and everyone else I know would be safe” and I believe that was his conviction to the very last second.
Jonny will forever be in my heart, forever loved, forever admired, and will forever be remembered…
Gracias Jonny, I miss you… See you soon
Always, Denise S. Bueso
-Denise S. Bueso (October 30, 2007)
Memories are powerful because of what they represent. They are reminders of times and events that have lodged themselves in our brains. Often the mind’s ability to recall moments in time and the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with them is nothing short of remarkable.
I did not know Jonathan Cadavero for long. Our paths did not cross that often. However, in spite of that, he made an indelible impression on me.
I remember his smile. Whether as broad as from ear to ear or barely imperceptible, he knew how to set others at his ease with the slightest bit of effort. Perhaps it was the tenderness, depth of feeling, or sincerity that underlay the facial expression that made it so noticeable.
I remember his enthusiasm for basketball. Seldom would he visit the school without taking the time to “shoot around” for a while. He could always interest others – younger or older – in a game. And he had skills that he was not afraid to showcase.
I remember how the children at the Waldwick School adored him. The youngest among them would literally cheer when he walked into their classroom. They would run to him and embrace him and he would make time for them. The older students saw in him a role model and they enjoyed chatting or playing with him.
I remember the generosity of his spirit. So often he would stop by my office and ask me what I needed and how he could help. It was unsolicited and unexpected. On many occasions he was a substitute, P.E. teacher, tutor, coach, and/or office assistant. Each task he performed with aplomb.
I remember the delight that he brought to his parents. I was always touched by the bond he shared with his mother. There was magic in her countenance and a buoying of her spirit when he walked into the office to greet her. Those of us who heard David talk about Jon could never imagine a father who was prouder of his son.
-Peter Anderson (Former principal of the Waldwick SDA School) (October 29, 2007)
Some people come into our lives and quickly leave, some stay awhile leaving footprints on our hearts and we are never the same. Sergeant Jon Cadavero has certainly left footprints on our hearts and we will never be the same. He lived his life to make life less difficult for others. To us, he had already improved the world in his head and heart and had started with his hands. As Martin Luther King Jr. said “The quality not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important” and undoubtedly Jon touched many lives with the quality of his life. To his family we quote Santayana as saying “There’s no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval.” May your memories bring you comfort and keep Jon close in your hearts. God will mend a broken heart if you give Him ALL the pieces.
-Angela & Wayne D. Edwards, Waldwick SDA School (October 28, 2007)
I once read that watching a son grow is like watching an oak tree grow from a tiny acorn. You have no way to predict how the winds of time will affect each stage of growth. All you have is the hope and love you feel when you look into his sweet, trusting face.....you nurture him and guide him along until it is time to let go and then you just watch...as day by day, "branch by branch", he grows up to be a mighty oak with courage, wisdom and strength all his own.
In his short life, Jon grew up to be a mighty oak. His roots were strong and well grounded and he sustained the winds and storms of life. From a young boy Jon had courage to do what was right, even if he stood alone. He had the wisdom to know right from wrong and the strength to live by his conscience.
I was proud to have him as a son, proud to be his mother. Although Jon is gone, my love from him has not stopped growing. Nor will it ever stop. There are no words to express how he is missed. Rest in peace my son. I love you - Mom
-Nadia Cadavero, Jon's Mother (October 25, 2007)
I still can't beleive it that Jon is gone, especially as the holidays approach and with them our annual trip to NY. Some days, when phone rings, I expect Jon to be on the line with his usuall, "Hello Uncle, how are things". Life sure is funny, especially how things happen. Why is it that I survived the Tet offensive, and he had to fall to a home made IED?? To many times we do not look at the present, to say nothing of the past, or, God forbid, the future. Jon, inspite of his never ending humor, was a serious man. The few times we did talk about our country and where it is going, the dangers that lurk from all directions, his seriousness and commitment was brought out. He made his commitment visible to all and paid the ultimate price; I honor him and all the others who have taken a similar stand. Our country needs more men and women with the same.
Ihor Bekersky, PhD, FCP SSGT, USA,(retired)
- (October 17, 2007)
Nadia, thinking about you and feeling sad still even after several months. I know time doesn't heal and that the grief only gets more ordinary as the days go by. I always think of Jon at Waldwick with a grin and being so very funny. Nadia your eyes always lit up when he was near. You were so devoted to Jon and Kristia. Will keep in touch!!!!!!
Hugs, Cherry Ashlock
-Cherry Ashlock (October 15, 2007)
Jon Cadavero -- a fitting example of a good man. He was loved by all whose lives he touched. His life was a testament to his faith in God, his love for his family, and his desire to serve his country. So much can be said, and yet, what is most important is that he lived an exemplary, Godly life, filled with laughter, kindness, love, tenderness, loyalty, commitment, caring and devotion.
May the wonderful memories of Jon bring comfort and smiles to all who knew him, and may the peace and love of God ease their grief as time goes on. For now he rests from the brief sojourn he experienced on this earth. His sleep will be a short one, for Jesus is coming soon to reclaim all who, like Jon, were true to Him. What a glorious day it will be when Jon is reunited with his family and loved ones. We hold on to this blessed hope in Christ Jesus.
Rosalie van Putten and the entire van Putten family
-Rosalie van Putten (September 13, 2007)
Mr. Cadavero, I am sorry that you lost your son in the war in Iraq. I feel very sad for you and your family. When I read about your son, I see that he was a very good soldier. I hope everyone will remember him and be proud. God bless you.
-D. Santiago, Jr. - SBJA (September 12, 2007)
Mr. David Cadavero. I am very sorry that you lost your son. I pray that you and your family will not be so sad. I know that when Jesus comes, you will see him again. God bless you.
-S. Santiago, SBJA (September 12, 2007)
For the short time that I have known Mr. David Cadavero, he has always talked about his son being in Iraq. He spoke with pride and admiration to my children and I. When we heard what happened, we were in shock and our prayers and thoughts went out to you all. Having experienced a loss in my own life, it was very difficult for my husband and I, but with God - all things are possible. You have had many years with your son that you will always have to cherish. You are also seeing and hearing so much more about him that leaves you breathless. Your son was a very special person that will continue to touch others. I wish my children and I had the chance to meet him. Nothing anyone says can take away the pain that you are feeling and will continue to feel as the days, months and years go by but I pray that each day you will be able to think and speak about your son with a greater sense of pride that for the time he lived, he really lived. He touched lives, he enjoyed life and he had no regrets. God Bless you all and continue to stay strong.
-N. Santiago - SBJA, GNYC (September 12, 2007)
Leave your own memories & condolences of Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero.
