Maurice Carlton Scardino

Maurice “Sonny” Carlton Scardino, 95, of Gulfport, MS passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, following a brief illness.

Sonny never met a stranger, rarely missed an opportunity for a good joke, and believed there was always another adventure waiting around the corner. With a smile on his face and a joke to tell, he lived his 95 years with humor, curiosity and a genuine enthusiasm for life.

Born March 4, 1931, to Andrew Johnson and Flo Scardino in Houston, Sonny spent much of his life in the New Orleans metropolitan area. He proudly served in the US Navy, spending his military career in naval aviation before turning his talents to business and education. He owned an ironworks business and later taught welding, sharing his knowledge and skills with students and helping many build rewarding careers of their own.

Sonny eventually made his way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, first settling in Pass Christian. In 2011, he moved to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport. That August, he married Laura Moore in the chapel on the retirement home’s grounds, beginning a wonderful new chapter filled with love, laughter, friendship and travel.

Together, Sonny and Laura embraced life to the fullest. Dividing their time between the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Laura’s home on Crystal Lake in Gulfport, they kept a busy social calendar and an even more impressive travel itinerary. Whether exploring by land, sailing the oceans, or cruising the world’s rivers, they traveled to all seven continents and the North Pole. From Australia to Antarctica, their adventures took them to some of the most extraordinary places on Earth. And Sonny always seemed ready for the next trip.

When they weren’t traveling, Sonny and Laura enjoyed the company of friends through St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Gulfport Newcomers Club and the many activities at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Sonny also enjoyed the simpler things in life like fishing and crabbing, but some of his happiest moments were the quiet ones at home with his wife and beloved pets. He could hardly settle onto the couch without his dog, Pierre, and at least one of his cats climbing into his lap, perfectly content to be close to him.

But what people will remember most about Sonny wasn’t how far he traveled or how much he accomplished. It was his smile, his quick wit, and his ability to make people laugh. He loved a good joke, enjoyed being around people and brought humor to everyday moments.

Even at 95, Sonny had his sights set on his next big milestone: his 100th birthday. His close friend, E.J. Roberts, had promised him Cuban cigars for the occasion, and Sonny was looking forward to collecting on that promise.

Sonny was the father of three children; Maurice Carlton Scardino, Jr., Charles Scardino and Angela Rutherford Morris (Scott).

He is survived by his loving wife, Laura; his son, Charles; his daughter, Angela; his grandson, Maurice “Mo” Scardino, III (Kasey); his great-grandson, Mason and his sister, Gina. His extended family also includes Laura’s daughter, Alicia Blanda and grandson, Joshua Toups.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Flo Scardino; his first wife, Amy; his son, Maurice Carlton Scardino, Jr.; his brother, A.J. Scardino; his stepson, Joey Toups; and his great grandson, Maurice “MJ” Carlton Scardino, IV.

Sonny may not have made it to 100, but he certainly knew how to make the most of 95 years. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, friendships and unforgettable adventures. And somewhere, those Cuban cigars are still waiting.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Maurice “Sonny” Carlton Scardino.