Rochester, NH – Rene G. Cardinal, 78, died peacefully surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Farmington and Rochester, where he was born and where he left a legacy of food, hospitality and community spirit.

Rene was born on October 25, 1946 to Leon and Yvette (Lamontagne) Cardinal. He started his love for food by working in his grandparents restaurant, The Wagon Wheel. Rene was a member of the Farmington High School graduating Class of 1964. After graduating, he pursued his passion for cooking at the Culinary Institute of America, and went on to dedicate his life to the restaurant industry.

Rene was well known throughout the region as the owner of The Cardinals Ranchhouse then later  The Cardinal's Seafarer and Remember When Lounge which he owned and ran with his brother Wayne, wife Luanne and sister in law Pal. They were beloved local establishments that brought people together through food, music, and friendship. Rene had a passion for entertainment and was instrumental in bringing famous performers to Rochester, including Chubby Checker, The Tokens, Ronnie Dove, The Platters and Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons. After the Seafarer was lost to a devastating fire, Rene and Luanne poured their hearts into the  Remember When Diner, a nostalgic celebration of the 1950s that brought the golden era back to life. If you were ever employed by the Cardinal's, you might remember Rene for his powerful demeanor and strong work ethic. "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean" was an often heard phrase.

Rene's culinary talents didn't stop there. He later launched a popular BBQ catering truck and deli, each reflecting his love for food and flair for making people feel welcome. He had a gift for turning every meal into an experience and every customer into a friend.

Outside of work, Rene was a passionate NASCAR fan. He traveled widely to attend races, always chasing the thrill of the track and the camaraderie that came with it. He also enjoyed  traveling, golfing and collecting and restoring vintage cars. He spent many years as part of The Granite State Street Rodders. During his lifetime he owned many different vehicles but his favorite was his 1934 red Ford Crown Victoria. He was also a devoted member of the Rochester Elks Lodge, a past President of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and a Rotarian.

His favorite thing to do was cook for his family and friends. From Easter to Christmas and his world famous pork pies, his food was loved by so many. You could always find him on Sundays cooking up a feast for Luanne and Pal at the "Sunday Night Suppa Club".

Rene was predeceased by his parents Leon and Yvette, his loving brother Wayne Cardinal, and his mother-in-law Theresa Hilliard.

He is survived by his wife, Luanne Cardinal; daughter Paula Huppe and her husband Aaron of Sanford, Maine; son Jeff Knight and his wife Heidi of Pittsfield. He was a proud grandfather to Jessica Clark, Megan Cote, Gavin Knight, and Callie Huppe and her partner William Speltz, and a doting great-grandfather to Bennett Dean, Shelby Almanzan and Ella Marchisio. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Pal Cardinal, and Leanne Hourihane and her husband Mark, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Rene's life was one of passion, purpose, and people. His favorite thing to do was to cook for his family and friends. He gave so much to his community, and his legacy will live on in the stories shared, meals enjoyed, and memories made by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A celebration of Rene's life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Rochester Elks Lodge, 295 Columbus Avenue, Rochester, NH from 12noon-4pm, family and friends are welcome.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Rene's memory by sharing a meal with someone you love—or dancing to a 1950s tune in his honor.