Robert Rags A. Gardner

Robert was born in N. Tarrytown, NY to the late Ernest Wardell and Laura Adele (Cann) Gardner on June 8, 1958.

As I sit here trying to write down my thoughts about Robert I find it harder than I imagined. There are many ways to describe Rob. One side was his stubbornness, being set in his ways and his desire to live his life the way he wanted to in spite of the opinions of others. He also had another side which was helpful, loving, loyal but most of all caring. He hosted Toys for Tots parties, made Thanksgiving dinners for his friends, shared what he had with friends less fortunate, and being there when his help was needed. These two sides are what made Robert "Robert". He will always be my "little" brother" who I love and will miss.

-Dorothy

Robert Gardner was a mentor, role model, a hero in our eyes, but most of all he was our father. A kind generous man who would give the shirt off his back if he saw someone in need. The best thing about our father was if you had met him on the street, you would never guess how compassionate and caring he could be. Typical biker style guy, with an “F. the world” attitude. Hard headed and stubborn, some would even call him a rebel with a cause. But when push came to shove he would do anything for someone in need. He always taught us how important it was to stick up for the under-dog, and to never lose sight of where we came from in life. Our father was known as a jokester, always able to turn any situation into a good time. Many people viewed our sense of humor together as either unsettling or childish. He taught us to never bite our tongue and to always speak our mind (unless it would get us fired or arrested). He was a strong man, built to tackle anything that would come his way. As children he used to attempt to teach us some self-defense moves that we laughed off, never knowing that he really did know what he was talking about. Our father worked as a heavy equipment machine mechanic/operator for IUOE Local 137 for over 30 years. He always said “if you’re doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” He had finally landed his dream job working on the Tapan Zee Bridge project. In his eyes, who wouldn’t love to play with “big boy toys” for a living. He passed down his love for construction, boating, and fishing to his grandson Landon. Grandpa was the apple of his eye. Though our father was taken from us way too soon, he was and will always be one of the greatest men that has ever lived.

-Lisa and Laura

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Laura and Lisa Gardner and their mother Eva; loving sisters and brothers, Judy Heslep (Dave), Alfred Gardner (Fran), Dorothy LaRosa (Frank) and Peter Gardner (Elaine); adoring grandson, Landon Gardner; his caring companion of 16 years Penny Blumer and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-8 pm at the EDWARD F. CARTER FUNERAL HOME, 170 Kings Ferry Rd., Montrose, NY. Funeral Services will be held at 8 pm also at the funeral home. Cremation will be Private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name should be made to: Toys for Tots, www.toysfortots.org.