Richard Gardner

Richard Gardner, 79

Richard Gardner of Lake Wales, Florida passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019.

He was born January 5, 1940 in New York City to the late James and Mae (Welchek) Gardner. He has been a resident of Nalcrest and Lake Wales since 2003 coming from Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He was a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.

Richard was a dedicated family man and at times worked 3 jobs to take care of his young family, these included such jobs as transporting muffler-less sports cars through the Holland Tunnel, delivering pallets of money from the New York Federal Reserve Bank and working as a short order cook in a busy diner. He was well-known for his upbeat personality, as well as for the stories of his life, many of which sounded unbelievable, but were actually true.

He is preceded in death by wife Mary R. Gardner and brother James Gardner.

He is survived by his children Jim Gardner of Glendale, CA, Elizabeth Etman, Christine Gardner of Pittsfield, MA, 2 grandchildren Emily Linendoll, Madison Etman and 1 great grandchild Baylee Linendoll.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lake Wales Care Center at 140 E. Park Avenue Lake Wales, Florida 33853.