Robert Lee Gardner

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Robert Lee Gardner, age 91, of State Highway 20, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Saturday morning May 7, 2022.

Robert was born May 11, 1930 in Richfield Springs a son to the late Alvin L. and Edith Stall Gardner. He was raised and educated in Richfield Springs. After High School he joined the United States Air Force he served overseas during post World War II occupation of Germany and he was also stationed in France. Robert was an electrician and he belonged to the IBEW Local 1249 in Syracuse, he was also a farmer too. On December 11, 1964 he married the former Irene Lucy LaPlant in the Richfield Springs Presbyterian Church, a blessed union of forty five years until her passing in 2010.

He was truly a family man always enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He always had a smile and his unforgettable chuckle for all. When it came to helping people you could always count on Robert to gladly lend a hand. He enjoyed hunting and the peacefulness of his riding mower caring for his lawn. If there was any one thing he disliked it was dandelions. He battled them like an evil menace every year. He was a member of the Richfield Springs Vets Club and regularly stopped in for a Pepsi and some conversation.

Robert was a friend to many, everywhere he went it was at least a half-hour to get out the door with all the passing conversations and multiple goodbyes, he will never be forgotten.

Surviving him are a son Douglas Gardner and his fiancé Ginny of Richfield Springs, two brothers George Gardner and his wife Carrie of Richfield Springs, James Gardner and his wife Marion of Springfield, four grandchildren Zachery Higby, Deanna Higby, Holly Jarman, and Sean Gardner, three great-grandchildren Trevor Ogden, Logan Jarman, and Delilah Jarman, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his wife Irene he was preceded in death by his daughter Debra Higby, three brothers Charles Gardner, Jack Gardner, and David Gardner and a grandson Matthew Higby.

Calling Hours will be held on Sunday May 1 5 from 3:00 until 5:00pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home , 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs and 5:00 pm a funeral service will take place at the conclusion of calling hours with The Reverend Casey Bradley, of the Church of Christ Uniting burial with Military Honors to take place Monday May 1 6 th in Springfield Center Cemetery at 11:00am.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in donations to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, New York 13413, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.