Support the Cardiff Family in Their Time of Loss

What Happened

Maybe you met John jamming at a Phish show, or any number of live music events. He was probably wearing a Brewers hat. He probably told you, with a proud smile, about his kids, Noah and Delilah. Maybe you met Sarai, the love of his life, and were instantly charmed by her thousand-watt smile. Maybe they invited you over to sit around a fire, share a drink, and laugh until your sides hurt. That’s just the kind of people they are, warm, generous, and full of heart.

On the evening of June 26, 2025, the Cardiff family suffered an unimaginable loss with the sudden passing of John Cardiff. John and Sarai shared nearly 20 years together, including 13 years of marriage. Well known and deeply loved in the Lake Geneva community, the two have long been familiar faces around town, Sarai as your favorite waitress at The Next Door Pub.

John was a devoted father to Noah and Delilah. He had a deep love for live music—especially Phish—as well as fishing, ice fishing, canoeing, and being in nature.

The Need

At the time of John’s passing, the family was in the middle of a major life transition. They were just days away from moving homes in the Lake Geneva area, with a move date of July 1st. Their house is now in disarray, packed in boxes or waiting to be, turning an already devastating time into one filled with added stress and uncertainty.

To make matters more difficult, their daughter Delilah, an education and dance major entering her sophomore year at UW-Milwaukee, was also scheduled to move into her campus apartment this week. The timing has added another layer of emotional and logistical challenge for the entire family.

Sarai will need to take time away from work to grieve and begin to rebuild. Though her employer has been incredibly generous and supportive, she has no paid time off.

Delilah had planned to work three jobs this summer to help pay for the 2025–2026 school year. She will now also need to step away to mourn, rest, and be with her family.

Noah, a college student as well, had to step away from his part-time job and travel from out of state to be with his family. He too will need time and space to grieve this heartbreaking loss.

How You Can Help

If you’re able, please consider making a donation here on GoFundMe. No matter how small, every dollar helps this family navigate an overwhelming time of loss, transition, and healing.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date, likely August. Details are still being finalized. We will share updates as soon as that information becomes available.