On Monday November 11, 2019 Robert Arthur Gardner, husband and father of three children passed peacefully in the late evening hours at the age of 87. Robert was born on March 7, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York to Arthur and Evelyn (Schumann) Gardner. He received an Honorable discharge from the US Navy in 1952. On June 26, 1954 he married Irene Stucko. They raised three children, Brian, Melissa (Sellitti) and Eric. Bob was an electrician, a union man [IBEW Local 25]. He grew to know all the trades and was the classic ‘handy-man’, or as his grandson called him, a “worker-man’ Our father would come home from work and continue some project he had going at home or help a friend or neighbor with their home improvement project. He enjoyed helping people. His rest and joy were on the Great South Bay in those days. The list of the boats he owned and enjoyed is long. He last water skied when he was 70 years old! He enjoyed being on the water with his children, grandchildren and the dogs! Yes, the boat was often crowded and broke down often, but what wonderful memories we all have. In 1977, life brought him and his family to Florida for a time to a wonderful community in Stuart. He always spoke of the “crystal” clear water and pelicans which were his favorites. In time my father and mother found themselves returning to New York and settled in Islip where they have resided for the last 20 years.

At his passing, “Pop Pop”, as all his grandchildren called him, knew that his first great grandchild was on the way! Robert and Irene were blessed, their children had children, and all three children have a deep love of learning, teaching and they enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. He and Irene volunteered at St. Mary’s in the marriage prep and CCD programs for many years. Our father lived a life of basic Christian principles and had no fear of death. He was ready when he knew the time was near. He is resting now from a long life of family, work and some great fun. His great sense humor remains with every child and grandchild. He was a joyful man and could often be heard whistling, “while he worked”. God welcome this man. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Arthur and his mother, Evelyn as well as his grandson, Justin. He is survived by his wife Irene, his three children, Brian, Melissa, Eric (Donna) and his grandchildren, Amanda Sellitti, Amy Gaster (Josef), Michael Gardner, Nicholas Gardner, Kelly Gardner, Jenna Wimmer (Alexander), and Stephen Gardner.

Donations could be made to: St. Mary R.C, Church 20 Harrison Ave East Islip, NY 11730 (631) 581-4266 Marriage Preparation Ministry