Michael Gardner Obituary

Michael A. Gardner LADSON - Michael A. Gardner, 55 of Ladson, S.C., passed away peacefully with his family and close friends at his side following a brief illness on Fri., Dec 19, 2014. Mr. Gardner was born on Oct 30, 1959 in Providence, R.I. He was the son of Joseph F. Gardner and the late Rosemarie (Marino) Gardner. Surviving are his wife, Lisa (Van Gyzen) Gardner and sons, Alexander and Nicholas Gardner. Also surviving are his parents, Joseph F. and Sandra Gardner of Foster, R.I., and siblings, Joseph M. Gardner of Johnston, R.I., Larry Gardner of Cranston, R.I., Steven Gardner of San Pedro, Ca., Joseph F. Gardner III of Johnston, R.I., Janice Sousa of West Warwick, R.I., and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his sister, Diane Gardner of Providence, R.I. Mr. Gardner served honorably and proudly in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant. Following his military service, he worked for General Dynamics in North Kingston, R.I., later transferring to their Goose Creek, S.C. plant. He worked for Jacobs Engineering in Orangeburg, S.C., then later, in Goose Creek, S.C., as a Quality Control Supervisor, where he worked until the time of his death. It was at Jacobs that he earned the affectionate nickname of "Cranky Yankee," as he brought his Rhode Island sensibilities to bear on those with whom he worked. Michael was a devoted husband and father who took little time for hobbies of his own, although he thoroughly enjoyed all sports from his native New England. He routinely defended his beloved Red Sox to all of the NY Yankee fans that he came across. He loved hockey, but refrained from trying to explain the finer points to those who didn't see the beauty of the game. A memorial service will be held at the Meditation Garden on the campus of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Dr. on Saturday, January 3, 2014, with Rev. Oscar Cash and Michael Jeffcoat officiating. The Gardner family wishes to express their appreciation for the outpouring of support from Michael's Jacobs' family during these past couple of months and especially to family friends, Fran Christian and Donnal Trunck, who were instrumental in assisting in Michael's care. The family respectfully requests, in lieu of flowers, that any donations be made to Roper Hospice, 1483 Tobias Gadson Blvd, suite 208A, Charleston, S.C. 29407. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston