John "Jack" Gardner

Jack was born in Donora, PA, and graduated from Monongahela Valley Catholic with the Class of 1963. He received degrees from St. Vincent College, Pittsburg State University and Penn State University, before moving with his family to Oneonta to take a teaching position at SUNY Oneonta in the Speech and Communications department.

Jack was a gifted teacher, a passionate golfer, and a respected umpire. He was a loyal friend, and a beloved husband, father and son.

Those who knew him will miss his colorful stories, curmudgeonly wit and the integrity with which he lived his life.

Jack is survived by his wife, Michelle Gardner of Oneonta; his daughter and son in law, Gretchen Gardner & Jason Brown of Pittsburgh, PA; his son and daughter in law, John & Nicole Gardner of Brooklyn; and his son, Nicholas Gardner, of Cambridge, MA; grandchildren, Ryan Gardner Gabos of Brooklyn, and Willa Salome Gardner of Brooklyn; a brother, Delbert Gardner of Orlando, FL; and his dachshund, Sophie Bean.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Delbert and Lillian Gardner.

Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 5 to 7 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St, Oneonta with Rev. David Mickiewicz, pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in the spring at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.