David E. Gardner

Dave was born on May 27, 1935, to Eldon and Eva (Stewart) Gardner in Houlton, Maine. His family moved to Easton, MA when he was 4 years old. After Dave attended Oliver Ames High School, he joined the United States Army and served as a Sign Painter proudly from 1954-1957. Soon after joining the service, Dave married Sylvia (Reed) Gardner in August of 1954.

Dave lived most of his life in Easton, MA. It was there that Sylvia and Dave raised their family. He worked as a Clerk of the Works and Safety Inspector for the State of Massachusetts. Additionally, he worked as a real estate agent and builder which brought him much joy. He had a very creative mind and was known as an inventor.

Dave leaves behind his loving wife Sylvia of 69 years. Five children survive him: Steven Charles Reed and wife Lynn Reed of Kingfield, ME, Linda Sue Gardner and husband Woody Silvia of Sarasota, FL, Brenda Jean Stockton of Weymouth, MA, Sally Ann McMahon and her husband Timothy McMahon of Sandwich, MA, and David Earle Gardner II and wife Kimberly Gardner of Buzzards Bay, MA.

Dave was a proud “Bumpa” to his grandchildren: Nathan Stockton, Jada Clark, Erica Allen, Ryan Reed, Joshua Stockton, Rebecca McMahon, Jessica Dulak, Diana Hanley, Emily McMahon, Rachel Bouzan, Theresa McMahon, Cassandra Gardner, Nicole Gardner. Great grandchildren: Molly Stockton, Alex Stockton, Scarlett Peabody, Jack Clark, Jacie Clark, Silas Peabody, Sebastian Stockton, Weston Dulak, Sansa Stockton, and Isla Dulak. Additionally, he was predeceased by siblings Herman Gardner, Everett Gardner, Merle Gardner, Andrew Gardner, and Lois DiLorenzo.

Dave’s life was a testament to cherished values, with unwavering faith and family dedication guiding him. He actively contributed to the community as an integral part of the Easton JC’s, Lions Club, Shriners, Freemasons, Easton Board of Health, and Easton Recreation Commission.

Beyond his family, faith, and dedication to the community, Dave found immense joy on the water. He spent many years in Hideaway Village creating lasting memories and friendships on the water and the sand. He was the first president of the Tenants Association of Hideaway Village. He was known as a Hideaway legend for his masterful horseshoe skills, quahogging expertise, and founding member of the Hideaway Village Condominiums.

The wake will be held at Nickerson Bourne Funeral Home on Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 in the evening. The Funeral will be held at Swift Memorial Methodist Church in Sagamore Beach at 11:00 in the morning on Friday, December 22nd followed by a light lunch. Interment will be at the Bourne National Cemetery on Friday at 1:30 in the afternoon.

In place of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Boston, an organization near and dear to Dave’s heart.