John “Jake” Merritt Gardner

John was born in Jersey City, NJ on July 25,1950 to John & Eleanor Gardner. He attended Catholic School for Kindergarten through 8th Grade. He then went to high school at Emerson High School in Union City, NJ where he graduated.

John enjoyed being in the outdoors, camping, exploring, fishing and hunting. He was active in the Boy Scouts for many years and enjoyed his summers going to his grandmother’s house at the NJ Shore and also to the family cabin in Vermont.

John was preceded in death by his father John Sr., his mother Eleanor Gardner and his youngest sister Kimmy.

He is survived by his wife Judy, their 3 children, Michele in Price, UT, Donald in Coeur d Alene, ID & Jennifer in Santa Clarita, CA, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren plus another great-grandchild expected in April. He is also survived by his eldest sister Carol Bernasconi and brother-in-law Jerry Bernasconi in Siesta Key,FL and his younger sister Allison Angermeyer and his brother-in-law John Angermeyer in Hillsdale, NJ. also survived by his sister-in-law Marilyn Lomprey of Chatswort, CA.

John worked in the Beauty Supply industry as a warehouse worker, then a beauty supply salesman for many years until his retirement in 2017. He loved being able to interact with his customers and share a few laughs. He even received a “Salesman of the Year” award the first year he was a salesman.

John loved teaching his children & grandchildren how to fish and enjoyed spending time with them even if they were not fishing. He had so many precious memories with each one of them. He also was a huge Coca-Cola Collector and he made so many friends who shared the same interest through the years.

Rest in Peace “Papa Jake” – you will be greatly missed by your family and friends