Harold Gardner

Harold Edes Gardner, 73, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, November, 22, 2024.

Harold “Harry” was born August 3, 1951 in Athol, MA.

He was the son of the late Eugene and Ruth (Grover) Gardner.

He graduated from Hingham, MA High School in 1969. He attended college at Norwich University in Northfield, VT. After College he entered the military in 1971 joining the US Air Force where he was a Maintenance Crew Chief on the KC-135 Tanker Refueling Planes. He traveled wherever the plane went so he was able to see much of what was the Free World at the time. The majority of his military time was spent in Thailand during the Vietnam War.

After his Military Career he went to work for Proctor & Gamble in Quincy, MA where he worked as a Mechanic/Machinist Technician for nearly 20 years before transferring to the Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals Plant in Norwich, NY where he eventually became a Water & Waste Water Technician. He eventually moved to the Chobani Corporate Offices as a Water and Waste Water Technician and retired from there in 2016.

It was at Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals where he met his Sole Mate and Love of His Life, Diane Cuyle-Downey. They were married July 31, 1999 at the United Church of Christ in Sherburne, NY.

He enjoyed spending time with family, especially the Grandchildren; traveling; and watching trains.

Harold is survived by his wife, Diane, Step-sons, Scott (Allison) Downey of Penfield, NY and Ryan (Katy) Downey of Chenango Forks, NY; Brother Robert Gardner of Weymouth, MA; Grandchildren, Maxwell Downey, Eleanor Downey, Gretchen Downey, and Jack Downey; Brother-in-Law, Gerald (Brenda) Cuyle; Sister-in-Laws, Donna Cuyle, Sandi (Rusty) Lent, Susan (Neal) Evans, Lori (Butch) Ericksen, Lisa (Mike) Castle, and several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

Harold was also predeceased by his Brother, George K. Gardner; Father-in-Law, Howard Cuyle; Mother-in-Law, Anna (Dean) Cuyle; and Brother-in-Law, William Golden.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 1:00-3:00PM at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY, 13815, followed by a Remembrance Dinner at the United Church of Oxford, Fort Hill Building.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Air Force Aid Society. www.afassistancefund.org