John Cardinale, vice president of media and community relations at Sonoma Raceway, has died following a two-year battle with gastric cancer. He was 47.

“John Cardinale was as true a friend, as loyal a colleague, as devoted a husband and father, and as fine a human being as you could ever hope to know,” said Steve Page, president & general manager of Sonoma Raceway. “John has been a part of every good thing that has happened at this track over the last 15 years. We are all so fortunate to have had him in our lives and to have shared in his intelligence, his wit, his integrity and his brave spirit.”

John is survived by his wife, Andrea, and their two daughters.
 
For those who wish to make a donation in John’s honor, a memorial fund has been set up on behalf of his family. Donations may be sent to the John Cardinale Memorial Fund, care of Sonoma Raceway, 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476.
 
Information on services and other arrangements have not yet been made available.