[1][2] After the family relocated to Everett, Washington, in 1928, Mardesich attended schooling in that same city, and later Seattle University, along with his brother, Tony.

After serving in the United States Army during World War II, Mardesich attended the University of Washington Law School, graduating in 1948 and admitted to the bar.

[1] Mardesich served in the Washington House of Representatives for District 38 (parts of Snohomish County) from 1950 to 1963, as a Democrat.

Later in 1975, he was sued by Attorney General Slade Gorton on charges of influence peddling and violating public disclosure laws regarding payments between Mardesich and two banks.

[1] Later, he served on the Industrial Insurance Appeals Board, appointed by Governor Dixy Lee Ray, and also worked as a lobbyist.