George F. Gardner

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – George Frederick  Gardner, age 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 in his home with his loving family at his side.

George was born on April 27, 1928 in Cooperstown, the eldest of seven boys to Alvin L. and Edith (Stall) Gardner.  A Lifelong area resident he attended Richfield Central School graduating high school with the class of 1947. While in high school he was elected class president, was a champion wrestler and played on the Jr and Varsity Basketball team. On August 15, 1950 , George enlisted in the US Air Force, serving four years.  He was honorably discharged on August 14, 1954. Upon his return from the service he worked as a heavy equipment operator for his beloved IBEW Local 1249 . He retired in May of 1990 .

George built a life and home for generations to share, that the family fondly calls "Gardnerville".  He had a passion for nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing especially with family. George loved his home including tending to his garden and mowing his lawn. However, his greatest joy came from time with family especially with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

On September 9, 1960 , he was united in marriage to the former Carolyn Ann "Carrie" Kane in the Presbyterian Church, Richfield Springs .  His faith in God was strong and was a member of the Church of Christ Uniting.  George was a devoted family man, a friend to many , and leaves many fond memories to live on .

Surviving are his wife Carrie of sixty-two years of marriage, daughter, Patricia A. (Gardner) Hicks, son, Fredrick G. Gardner of Clinton, daughter, Carrie L ynn Gardner and her partner Jack Cooper , and son, Jeffrey L. Gardner and his wife Bridget, all of Richfield Springs, seven grandchildren Mac, Michael, Burke, Kylie, Kevin, Todd, and Paige, three great-grandchildren, Katherine, Ava and Mason, one brother James Gardner of Mohawk, several nieces, and nephews including a special niece Amanda Stone and her husband Chad of Richfield Springs . Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his 5 siblings, Robert, Charles , John, David, and an infant brother William.

Calling hours in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs will be on Friday, Sept. 9 th from 4 : 00 until 7:00 pm.  The f uneral service will be on Saturday September 10 th at 1:00 pm in the Church of Christ Uniting.  Interment with military honors will follow in Springfield Center Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Church of Christ Uniting, PO Box 896, RS Vol. Fire Department PO Box 1456, or the Canadrago Lake Improvement, PO Box 682, all of Richfield Springs, NY 13439.