Obituary of Eugene P. Cardamone

Gene Cardamone, a beloved father, son, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor, and respected figure in both the Rochester community and the beauty industry, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78.

Born and raised in Rochester, N.Y., Gene dedicated more than 55 years to perfecting his craft, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives, launched many careers, and redefined excellence in the world of cosmetology and education.

Gene was the son of Frank Cardamone, a devoted Rochester City Police officer, and Maryann Cardamone, a talented hairstylist. A graduate of East High School, Class of 1965, Gene demonstrated athletic talent—playing football and baseball—and an emerging passion for beauty and design.

In 1967, Gene joined the United States Armed Forces at age 21. He completed boot camp at Fort Dix, N.J., where he developed the resilience, discipline, and leadership that would later define his life. Stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C, Gene’s service in the U.S. Army Reserves instilled in him a lasting sense of camaraderie and purpose. He remained deeply connected to veterans’ causes and gave generously to organizations such as the Veterans of America, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Association, and Camp Good Days and Special Times.

After his military service, Gene discovered his next calling when he enrolled at The Peter Webb School of Hair Design—one of only seven students on the school’s opening day on Clinton Avenue in Rochester N.Y. in 1967. It was there that he met internationally renowned stylist Peter Webb, an encounter that would ignite a lifelong passion for hairdressing, artistry, and education.

Gene’s career flourished quickly. He began working at Frantione’s Hair Salon, where his talent and drive led him to become a partner alongside Anthony Cotroneo. Together, Gene and Anthony co-founded Shear Ego Salon in 1976 on Titus Avenue, with Peter Webb joining them as a partner and mentor. Two years later, in 1978, Gene and Anthony founded the Shear Ego International School of Hair Design. Both brands became synonymous with creativity, excellence, and education—bringing Gene’s vision fully to life.

Over the following decades, Gene expanded Shear Ego’s presence across the Rochester area. He opened locations in Buckman’s Plaza in Greece, the Lauer’s Building on Monroe Avenue, and Perinton Square Plaza. In 1994, Shear Ego Salon relocated to a small space in Pittsford Plaza, and by 1995, Gene opened the Spa as an extension to Shear Ego Salon—moving the entire operation to its current home. During this same period, he moved the Greece salon from Buckman’s Plaza to Ridgemont Plaza to accommodate its growth. The Greece location later closed in 2010, allowing Gene to focus on the Pittsford expansion.

Peter Webb became Artistic Director at the Shear Ego International School, where he played a vital role in shaping and inspiring students. At the same time, Peter managed three salons in England— Solihull, Walsall, and the Birmingham Exhibition Centre at the Metropol Hotel. This international partnership enabled Gene and Anthony to exchange talent and expertise between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years.

Throughout the 1990s, Gene and Peter participated in numerous hair shows including major events from Goldwell and Schwarzkoff in US cities like Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Diego, and Los Angeles and internationally all over Europe and Northern Africa. During this time, Peter officially renamed his English salons “Peter Webb at Shear Ego,” symbolizing their enduring partnership and shared vision. When Peter retired in 2014, it marked not only the close of a professional chapter but also a celebration of a lasting friendship between three partners—Gene, Anthony, and Peter—bound by respect, creativity, and trust.

Through diligent effort and boundless imagination, Gene transformed Shear Ego into more than just a salon—it became a home for artists and dreamers alike, a place where clients felt cared for and stylists found family.

As owner and Director of the Shear Ego International School and former Director of the New York State Beauty School Association, Gene’s influence reached far beyond Rochester. He mentored thousands of students, inspiring them to build successful, meaningful careers. His approach blended technical mastery with empathy and connection—a belief that true beauty begins with kindness and confidence.

Outside of his professional life, Gene was an accomplished real estate investor, builder, and design enthusiast. He poured his creativity into architecture, interior design, and construction, developing numerous commercial and residential projects. Whether shaping spaces or shaping lives, Gene’s touch could be seen everywhere—warm, intentional, and full of life.

Above all else, Gene’s greatest joy and proudest achievement was his family. Although his passion was hairdressing, the love of his life was his family—his beloved Kym Cardamone, with whom he shared many beautiful years and an enduring friendship, his daughter Shayna (Jeff) Moretti, his son Justin Cardamone, and his two cherished grandchildren, Ava and Jayden Moretti. Gene adored being a father and grandfather; he treasured every moment spent together, from family dinners and vacations to countless sporting events, recitals, and milestones. He was always their biggest fan, cheering them on through every success, every challenge, and every chapter of their lives. His unwavering love, pride, support, and guidance will continue to shape their lives forever.

Those who knew Gene best will remember his magnetic presence. He could walk into a room and instantly change the energy, brightening the mood with his signature smile and effortless charm. His personality was as bold as it was kind—he said what others were thinking, always with honesty, humor, and heart. Gene wore his heart on his sleeve, and it was as big as his personality. He was generous to a fault—always the first to lend a hand, share advice, or offer encouragement. His generosity extended beyond words; he gave freely and often, using talent, compassion, and larger than life spirit to quietly help others by supporting the people and causes he cared about most.

Gene lived by simple but powerful mottos:

• “Ask for the stars and you might get the moon.”
• “If it isn’t fun, don’t do it.”
• “Live and let live.”
• “Just make it happen.”
• “ Have a great life and burn the wheels off while you can “

Those who knew Gene describe him best:

• “All gas, no brakes.”
• “He was one of a kind — the kind of person who didn’t fit a mold because he was too busy creating his own.”
• “Cardamone Time"

Gene not only lived life to the fullest—his aura and energy inspired everyone he met. His drive for excellence and positivity shone through, even in his final days. Though we mourn the immense loss to his family, friends, and community, we take comfort in knowing that he lived a full, accomplished life surrounded by love, purpose, and laughter.

He is survived by his loving and devoted children, Shayna (Jeff) Moretti and Justin Cardamone; grandchildren, Ava and Jayden Moretti; Sister, Gail Rokosz; Mother-In-Law Carol Schlegel; Also, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 12pm- 4pm, at Falvo Funeral Home, 1295 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd., Webster, N.Y. 14580. On Monday November 10, 2025, please meet the family for his Funeral Mass at 1pm at St. Louis Church, 64 S. Main St., Pittsford, N.Y. 14534. Following Mass, family and friends will accompany Gene in a procession to White Haven Memorial Park for Entombment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Good Days & Special Times or the Veterans of America, two organizations that held a special place in Gene’s heart.