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 Friday, Dec 19, 2014.
Mr. Gardner was born on Oct 30, 1959 in Providence, RI. He was the son of Joseph F. Gardner and the late Rosemarie (Marino) Gardner. Mr. Gardner served honorably and proudly in the United States Army, attaining 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., as a Quality Control Supervisor, where he worked until the time of his death. It was at Jacobs that he earned the affectionate nickname "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.
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, RI; and siblings Joseph M. Gardner of Johnston, RI, Larry Gardner of Cranston, RI, Steven Gardner of San Pedro, CA, Joseph F. Gardner III of Johnston RI, Janice Sousa of Warwick, RI, and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his sister, Diane Gardner of Providence, RI.
Service with military honors Saturday, December 19, 2015, at 9 a.m. at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, South County Trail, Exeter, RI.
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.
