Obituary of Robert Stewart Gardner

Robert Stewart Gardner, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday October 22, 2021. Bob was born October 10, 1932, to the late Sadie and Reginald Gardner in Latham, New York.

Bob attended Watervliet High School and went on to serve in the United State NAVY upon graduation. While in the NAVY Bob served on the USS Philippine.

After serving our country, Bob returned to the capitol region and met loving wife, Elinor (Cone) Gardner. Elinor and Bob were married on December 27^th, 1957 and had three daughters together; whom he lovingly referred to as the “loves of his life”.

Bob was a proud employee of Niagara Mohawk for over thirty (30) years. Upon retirement Bob had gained supervisory status and was the beloved leader of his team. Bob also worked with his friends and family at Warren W. Fane Inc. until as recent as 2018. Bob took pride in his work and truly enjoyed the friends he made along the way.

Bob was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and even great grandfather. He coached his daughters at Lansingburgh Little Miss Softball fields for years, and even continued to coach once his own daughters had aged out because he enjoyed coaching so much. After his years of coaching were behind him, he was his grandkids biggest fan. Bob and Elinor, lovingly known as Poppy and Nanny, were at every soccer, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and cheerleading competition/game. He even cheered his grown grandchildren on in their summer beer league softballs games, and was able to watch his first great grandson, Patrick, play t-ball at the same field he coached his own daughters at. His support never wavered; no matter the weather, time of day, etc., if one of his grandchildren had an event, you would always find Poppy in the crowd, in his fold up chair, cheering them along.

Bob thrived in outdoors. Bob and his friends traveled all over the country for various ski trips. He loved to spend the warmer days on a golf course with lifelong friends. Bob spent many years camping with his loved ones. On these weekend getaways he would enjoy taking his grandkids for rides on his jet ski; and sitting by a campfire at night; laughing with old friends. Bob was one of the sweetest souls on earth, his kindness was infectious, and his calm demeanor could comfort anyone in a time of need.

In addition to his parents, Bob is predeceased by his sister Donna Gardner, and brother Richard Gardner. Bob is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three (63) years, Elinor, and three daughters, Donna (Mike) DeSimone, Debbie (Greg) Fane, and Lori (Kent) Fane. Bob is survived by his sister, June, whom he has always shared a special and close bond with, and numerous friends and family. Bob was the devoted “Poppy” to Michael, Dana, and Karly DeSimone; Samantha (Pat Mahoney), Gregory (Heather), Scott, and Brooke Fane; and Zachary, Cody, Jared, and Luke Fane. Because the best grandparents get promoted to great, additionally Poppy leaves behind three great grandchildren, Patrick, Ryan, and Natalie Mahoney and three (3) more on the way.

Family and friends are invited and may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue (at the corner of 115^th Street in Lansingburgh) Troy, NY 12182.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Transfiguration Parish (formerly St. Bonaventure’s Church in Speigletown) 50 Hillview Dr., Troy, NY 12182. Interment with military honors will follow in St. John’s Cemetery in Lansingburgh.

In lieu is flowers, Bob’s family is asking for contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association in hopes that one day, we can cure this disease.

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