Josh Cardiello Buford, GA Tribute, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga alumnus has passed away.

 Joshua Gerard Cardiello, aged 30, from Buford, Georgia, died on January 5, 2026. He was preceded in death by his sibling, Jacob Allen Cardiello, and his grandmothers, Karen Cardiello and Linda Reis.

He is survived by his devoted wife of two and a half years, Allison Frazier Cardiello, along with their beloved daughter, Amelia Cardiello. Additionally, he is survived by his parents, Jay Cardiello residing in New Port Richey, Florida, and Kerri (Bryan) O’Kelley of Suwanee, Georgia; his grandfather, Larry Reis of Dunedin, Florida; his mother-in-law, Rhonda Frazier of Buford, Georgia; his brother-in-law, Alan (Morgan) Frazier of Buford, Georgia; and his step-siblings, Ashley (Matt) Cash of Gillsville, Georgia, and Hunter (Brea) O’Kelley of Augusta, Georgia.

Joshua was born on March 24, 1995, in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Buford High School in 2013. That same year, he completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He worked at Amgen Pharmaceuticals.

Everyone who knew him regarded Joshua as a “giant teddy bear with a heart of gold.” As a three-time champion football player during his time at Buford High School, he received a full scholarship to play at Georgia in 2013 and later became a three-year starter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He attended Rookie Camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was a lifelong supporter, having been present at the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl win in 2002. Joshua also held season tickets for Georgia football games.

He valued his tight-knit group of friends, whom he affectionately referred to as his “Tribe.” Joshua relished golfing, tennis, boating, visiting Las Vegas, and most importantly, enjoying moments with his adored daughter, Amelia. He was a member of Gwinnett Church and grew up attending North Pointe Church in Cumming and Alpharetta.

A funeral service is set for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Buford, Georgia, officiated by Pastor Stephen Fountain. Family and friends are welcome to express their condolences on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and again on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the service begins.

In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joshua’s honor to Who We Play For, an organization he supported after the passing of his brother Jake. This group advocates for heart screenings and access to AED devices, which are lifesaving tools that have impacted Joshua’s life and the lives of many others.

Joshua's kindness, athleticism, and devotion to family and friends create a lasting legacy that will be remembered fondly by all who were privileged to know him.