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Jeffrey B. Gardner
Jeffrey B. Gardner
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Jeffrey Gardner Obituary
Yes, Jeffrey Gardner, 36, sold insurance, but nothing about him fit the bland image of an insurance salesman. His title at Marsh & McLennan was environmental insurance broker. After work, he might appear in one of many guises. An opera lover and wine connoisseur who relaxed by smoking one of his many hand-carved pipes. An adventurer on a motorcycle tooling around rough country. A joker who hired an Austin Powers impersonator to corner a friend at a restaurant and sing "Happy Birthday." And a man so grateful for his life that he spent his weekends and vacations building homes in Newark, Honduras and Brazil.
"He had so many things going," said Amy Gardner, his younger sister.
His work for Habitat for Humanity was, perhaps, his favorite. It let him combine many favorite activities: carpentry, making friends with volunteers and children, and seeing the excited expressions of new homeowners. For Mr. Gardner, said his sister, those were great days. More ordinary times, she remembers him saying, were merely good days. He had a sun symbol tattoed on his ankle, she said, because for him, a good day was as bad as it got.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jay Davis
June 12, 2023
The Alumni Brothers of Kappa Sigma Fraternity installed a Brick in Jeff´s memory at the chapter house 14 Union Street New Brunswick on Rutgers University.
Leslie Honcharik
October 11, 2022
I didn't know Jeff....read his story and tributed etc. on Marsh McLennans site. He sounds like he was an amazing person gone too soon. My condolences to all who knew him and held him in such high esteem.
Cindy Roe
September 14, 2021
Remembering Jeffrey on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Leslie Mayock
September 14, 2019
I met Jeff at Rutgers - He was a great person and will always be remembered for his humor, kindness and his ability to give people his time. Great man!
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Andrea
September 11, 2019
Eighteen years have past and I still remember you. RIP my dear friend.
The Kindred Family
October 29, 2018
We send our continued deep sympathy to your family. May God give the needed help and support with each new day. Jeffrey touched the lives of others in many different ways and will always be remembered. Finally may the day come when these violent acts that separate family members will be ended for all time.
My drawing of refelection today in my 7th grade social studies class. Told the students about my High School Friend.
Jill Resnick Byrd
September 11, 2018
Shelley Squires
September 11, 2018
Still missing my cousin Jeffery. He was a terrible loss to our family, his friends, and the world at large.
Andrea
September 11, 2018
Jeff, you had such a vibrant spirit. On this day I remember you. RIP my friend.
Joyce Finnen
September 11, 2018
Said a prayer for you this past Sunday at Mass. I will never forget! Never forget the fun we had hanging out while working at AIG in the 80's. I will never forget that tragic day when God took you back from us.
Carrie Witherspoon
September 10, 2018
I so miss Jeffrey Gardner. You were so great with my little boys when we worked together at AIG. Can't believe it has been 17 years. Wow heaven received a beautiful angel that day! Miss you my friend.
Ruby Lucero
January 25, 2018
Jeffrey I watch the movie it brought me tears. You are a special father and husband and most important a beautiful friend..The fireman that tryed to help you. Just know you weren't alone. May God keep you both in peace. May God keep all in peace on 9/11 ...
September 11, 2017
Jeff, on this day I remember you and I call your name. RIP
September 11, 2016
I had the honor of working with J.B. on a Habitat project in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in 1999...a real genuine Dynamo and a real inspiration.
Bruce Goodwin, San Diego
Michael Greer
September 11, 2016
I worked with Jeff at Aig, he was always full of energy and trying to find a better way of doing things. He was funny, happy and always had a good thought for everyone.
He is not forgotten,even 15 years later, My condolences to his family
Andrea
October 14, 2015
Jeff, you will always be remembered. RIP
September 14, 2015
I hardly knew you Jeff except for the weekend that you and a friend came up to visit in New England. We all went apple picking. I am so saddened by the tragedy of 9/11. You will never be forgotten.
September 12, 2015
Jeff, I worked with you on several projects. Always enjoyed meeting with you, super nice and professional to work with. You are not forgotten.
March 1, 2015
The hardest part of my vacation to New York in August 2014, was going to the 911 Memorial. While there, I took a picture of the waterfalls. Only one full name showed up in my picture -- Jeffrey Brian Gardner. I Goggled your loved one's name and read about him. He was such a wonderful young man. I just wanted to let you know that your loved ones are still touching our hearts today and forever.
Cindy, Pearland, Texas
Shelley Squires
September 11, 2014
Your loss is such a great loss to our family, your friends, and the world. Miss you.
Cousin Shelley
Michelle Richmond
September 11, 2012
Jeff, I remember you as a teenager and I remember you today... You and your family are in my thoughts.
Janice M. Besecker Onieal
September 12, 2011
Ten years has passed since the horribly tragic event that took your life and broke your parents' & siblings hearts.... You are not forgotten....
Alasdair Ritchie
September 11, 2011
Dear Jeff and family and all the other victims of 9/11 we will be thinking and saying our prayers for you at St Peters church ,Eaton Sq. London today.
I miss you lots and think regularly of the fun times we had.
Alasdair
Seit Mehmeti
September 9, 2011
Dear Charlotte
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. You have shared this story about your friend as you expressed in your notes about his goodness, kindness, wisdom, the sense of fun and tolerance. Love for his parents and his siblings. Reliable and accountable to business partners, respectful, forthcoming and friendly. You also mentioned that Jeffrey read the Christian Bible and the Koran in order to understand other people's belief systems. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity throughout the hemisphere.
However, by reading your notes it strikes me that Jeffrey was an open minded and extraverted person but above all a loving human being and makes me believe and think as if I have known Jeffrey for many years despite the fact that I have never met him before.
I’m hoping that the good memories will be a comfort to you while you are still dealing with his loss. May god bless you and all families affected by this terrorist act and gather by being stronger by not allowing the past to interfere with your future, and allow the love as the most important remedy a man kind can have to heal our sadness.
Theresa Glassman
September 9, 2011
In Memory of Jeffrey Gardner...
I was given the honor of representing Jeffrey in tomorrows 9.11K in Las Vegas, NV. I will be wearing his name all day in remebrance. God bless his soul...
Janey Huber
September 9, 2011
I light a candle today for Jeffrey as I proudly wear one of the 746 unique Common Threads bracelets that is dedicated to him. As I look into his eyes and read about what kind of person he was, I would have loved to have known him. I look forward to visiting the Empty Sky Memorial which is being dedicated tomorrow and urge everyone to donate to its foundation. They are gone but their spirits remain.
Janice M. Besecker Onieal
September 12, 2010
Jeffrey... nine years.... and in looking at your photo I still see your mother's eyes...and since I first wrote in 2/2002, she has joined you in the hereafter...peace to you, and peace to Amy & Eric and their families. You are not forgotten.
Jill Resnick Byrd
September 10, 2010
I light this candle and wave my American Flag this weekend in your Honor Jeff and for all those who perished unnecessarily.
Mike Miller
September 12, 2009
Today (9/11/09), on this anniversary of 9/11/01, I just want the friends and family of Jeff to know he is not forgotten. I worked with Jeff at AIG. He was always polite, friendly, professional. e is missed.
Linda (Nudelman) Donahue
September 11, 2007
As I was driving to a client meeting this morning, it struck me that, at that time, six years ago today, Jeff was still alive, probably laughing with a co-worker in his office. A few minutes later, my clock read 8:46am, and I realized that this was the moment, six years earlier, when Jeff died.
Jeff was one of my "inner circle" of high school friends, and someone who I managed to stay in touch with long after high school. The leadership and incredible spirit he showed back in his youth only grew into adulthood, and I'm proud that I'm able to say I knew this remarkable person.
And, knowing Jeff, I choose to celebrate his life rather than mourn his death. Because if I've learned anything, it's that a person is never truly gone when so many people hold them in their hearts.
I love you, Jeff.
Kristine
October 27, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 12, 2006
In memory....
Chris
September 14, 2006
I can't express my sympathy enough to your family and friends for the loss of this outstanding young man. I ran an entry in Sugar's AOL blog honoring him. Stand proud. Prayers to all who knew and loved Jeffrey.
Jeannette Locorriere
September 14, 2006
I read Sugars' wonderful entry about you Jeffrey. I am so sad for your family and friends who you left behind that day. I know you are still watching over them, God bless you. Jeannette xx
Lynne White
September 14, 2006
After reading Sugars tribute to Jeffery, I had to drop by and leave my respects to a wonderful man, may God bless you all
take care x
Dana
September 14, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Kath Lees
September 14, 2006
May God Bless all your family now and forever more.You truly lost such a wonderful person that day.My condolances go out to you all.Stand proud.
Amanda Messersmith
September 14, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Cindy Sawn
September 14, 2006
My prayers and sympathy go out to your family Jeffrey. You are gone from this earth, but you will never be forgotten. God bless your family.
Cathy Rapicano
September 14, 2006
I didn't know this brave man, younger than I but we share the same roots. How does one honor such courage? Thank God for these heroes, always remembered with love and hope for peace.
Lisa Arthur
September 14, 2006
I would like to say what a wonderful human being. I know he's in Heaven looking down with a smile. I pray for his family. I want them to know that Jeffrey is not forgotten!
Wendy
September 13, 2006
I saw the 2,996 Project entry done by Sugar. I felt I had to come & express my sympathy to friends & family. Mr. Gardner was indeed a wonderful man. May the Lord bless you all.
Jenny Kasmin
September 11, 2006
We were going to the service in town but it was a beautiful night and the kids were playing outside. We all thought that was a better tribute. Enjoying the time we have, being together because you never know how much time you have. We thought you'd be ok with that. You are still missed and very much remembered.
Sue & Bob
September 11, 2006
My wife & I have read the 2,996 Project entry done by Miss Sugar. It led us to come here & let you know how proud we all are of Mr. Gardner. May you his family & friends find peace.
Ilene Goldman
September 11, 2006
I don't remember not knowing Jeffrey. We grew up together in Livingston NJ, were confirmed together at B'nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, and grew to become wonderful friends during our summer at JFTY's Urban Mitzvah Corps.
My childhood and young adulthood will be forever tied to Jeffrey's and I miss him every day.
My throughts are with his family today. May they draw strength from Jeffrey's memory and know that he is still loved and remembered.
September 10, 2006
to teh family and friends of Jeffrey Gardner: please accept my sincere condolences. What a wonderful man!
Natalie
Barbara Hollyfield
September 10, 2006
I just read a 2996 Project entry on Jeffrey. It made me love him. I made me miss him. He is not forgotten.
Jeannette Oatley
September 10, 2006
I have come to sign this Guestbook in memory of Jeffrey to honour him as part of the 2,996 Project where journallers are honouring each and very victim. Jeffrey and all the others will never been forgotten. Safe in the arms of our Lord.
JeannettesJottings/
Sugar Lewis
September 10, 2006
Family, please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss. Please stop by my journal & read the entry I did on Jeffrey. I fill so honored to have been able to write a few words on this remarkable young man. May God Bless.
Sam Gardner
March 1, 2006
I visit this guestbook occassionally; mainly because of my name. I was high in the WTC that morning, and had I died my entry would have followed his. Any words written on me would pale next to the description and photo of this man, this adventurer. Amy, I feel terrible for you, it must have been a truly horrible experience.
Jeff Teitel
September 16, 2005
Jeff,
If I have anything to say about it, you will not be forgotten. You sure knew how to make a lasting impression.
Jeff Teitel
Michael Goldstein
September 12, 2005
You will always be in our harts and thoughts. Peggy and I miss you.
Amy Brown
May 16, 2005
A co-worker decided Jeff and I would be a "good match" and arranged for us to meet in April 2001. During dinner on September 7, 2001, Jeff and I agreed that we would spend the rest of our lives together while having dinner at Leo's. Looking back on that night, walking on air as we returned to his home on Madison Ave., it was truly a memorable evening. Looking back on that night four days later seemed surreal.
Jeff touched so many people across the globe between his work and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. I continue to keep in touch with his friends in Brazil, Canada, CA, and other distant places. We share a love for this person who gave so much of himself if only to see someone smile or feel better about themselves. It is bittersweet for me. I am beyond grateful for the time I had with Jeff. At the same time, it is extremely difficult to live without this amazing individual. I do my best to honor his memory each and every day. It is the least I can do for someone who taught me the true meaning of love as well as "living by example."
I pray for Jeff each night and ask that he is at peace. I also pray that he is proud of those he left behind as we honor him and remember him in our own way.
The memorial chosen for the Hoboken residents is truly inspiring. I have many wonderful memories of Hoboken, including the park where this memorial will be. I am grateful to all of those giving their thoughts, time and energy to such a worthwhile and admirable project. Jeff would love the fact it is on the water and inclusive of many aspects of the tragedy, not just the lives lost, but the perspectives of those affected by it in so many different ways.
God bless Jeff and the other victims of September 11th. May their spirits live on forever in our hearts.
Amy
Alison Lasher
January 17, 2005
I knew Jeffrey, his brother,Eric and family from Temple B'nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, NJ. I also attended Livingston High School and religious school with Eric.
I have been deeply saddened to know he perished on 9/11/01. I will always fondly remember the Gardner family from temple and they are in my thoughts and prayers.
Doug Holliday
September 30, 2004
I was deeply saddened last night as I discovered my friend and teammate from High School (Livingston, NJ) was one who perished on that horrific day. Jeff was a man of character, generosity, and commitment. I was truly proud to see that he never wavered from this, and that his life impacted nearly every person he touched. My prayers go out for his family.
"He will swallow up death forever. The Almighty LORD will wipe away tears from every face...." Isaiah 25:8
Debbie West
September 19, 2004
To Jeff's family -
I met Jeff over a weekend he spent in Chicago in early 2001. My husband worked with him at Marsh, and I felt lucky to be introduced to such an intriging person - one who spent his spare time giving to others not as fortunate as him and thrived on the adventure of doing so. That impressed me, but what made me remember Jeff the most was that this single gentleman went out to dinner with my family (including my 15 month old son at the time), and Jeff insisted that my son sit next to him. I thought to myself how unusual, but then the charm came out and I remember him entertaining my son throughout the entire dinner.
Other than my short encounter with Jeff, I can honestly say that I didn't personally know anyone who's life was so abrubtly taken from them on 9/11/01, but having that small connection to such an amazing individual who had to leave us on that dreaded day keeps me forever thinking of and praying for his family who must miss him dearly.
Wendy Nathan Friedmann
September 11, 2003
I met Jeff through JFTY and spent many wonderful times with him during high school and college. We did a lot of growing up together and I have great memories. Though we hadn't spoken in years, I always assumed I would run into him and after 2 minutes it would be like we were never apart. His positive outlook on life and great sense of humor are only two of many attributes that made him so special.
I saw his name on a wall days after and have thought about him often over the past two years. My thoughts and wishes go out to his family and though no words can help your pain, please know that he was greatly loved and will never be forgotten.
Laurence Wagman
April 9, 2003
A class act, a super great human being, a role model and a wonderful neighbor!
I miss you!
Hilary Cohen
September 12, 2002
Dear Gardner Family;
I knew Jeffrey in JFTY and he was such a great guy who was so much fun! I was shocked to hear (just today) that Jeff was a victim of 9/11. Until now I thought I was a very lucky person because I didn't know anyone personally who perished that day. Unfortunately, I am now not so lucky. Even though I had not seen Jeff since our JFTY years, I often thought specifically about him and what a nice person he was.
I'm sure the pain you are going through is intolerable. Hopefully knowing that it is being shared with other people will take some of the burden off of you.
With warmth and remembrance,
Hilary Cohen
Lori Price Abrams
September 11, 2002
Sadly, I have not seen Jeff for many years. He was a good friend during our high school youth group days (JFTY). We all wandered off to different parts of the globe since then. I adored him as a funny, witty, smart and very individual soul. I always hoped that our paths would cross again. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gardner family.
Lori Price Abrams
Sarah Kroloff Segal
September 11, 2002
I knew Jeff from JFTY (Jersey Federation of Temple youth) from about 1979-1982. My JFTY photo album has several pictures of Jeff, including my surprise 16th birthday party. Some of the pictures are of him in some pretty wild costumes for various special events. I remember him as a sweet, warm, fun-loving and handsome teenager! I wish we had stayed in touch so that I could have known him as an adult too. On this anniversary of 9/11, I send my thoughts and best wishes to his family.
Dave Stahl
September 10, 2002
Early in his career, Jeffrey would come to town with the exuberance of a puppy dog. Some of us adopted him in a "little brother" context. We showed him around and offered our sage advice. He listened politely.
Jeffrey found something to like in everyone. He was a joy to be around.
We watched with pride as his career blossomed, happy that one of the good guys was getting his due. Even still, he didn't become swollen. Though very successful, this was a grounded man.
God's grace was surely with Jeffery as there could be no more deserving soul than him.
olivia shell
September 9, 2002
hello my name is olivia shell and i go to st.piusx in houston texas. today in religion class we recieved an arm band that had a name of a person who was a victom of september 11.i received Jeffrey B Gardner . i just read his biography and i am writting to letting you know that he is in our prayers and in our hearts forever.
Danielle Nittolo
September 6, 2002
I can remember Jeff when we grew up on back-to-back streets. More recently, I recall hearing my brother Anthony speak fondly of diving trips which their group of friends enjoyed together.
God Bless to the Gardner family.
Danielle
Damaris Carlo
May 31, 2002
I met Jeff while working at Willis Corroon Insurance Co. He was a great guy, always positive and always smiling. He was even one our poster boys for some advertisement done at Willis - I have it signed by - and I will always treasure it.
Marc Schwartz
April 29, 2002
I met Jeff at college and spent four wonderful years with him. Jeff can be described as sincere, honest, generous, funny, and a true friend. I'll miss you buddy. You have touched my life and I'll never forget you. I know you'll be looking down at your friends and family...that makes me feel some comfort. May God Bless you Jeff and my deepest sympathies to Jeff's family.
Marc Schwartz, Friend
Angie Campbell
April 26, 2002
May God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in peace..........
Michael Iezzi
April 25, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Jeffrey to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Janice Besecker Onieal
February 16, 2002
Jeff's mother, Eileen Kaufman Gardner, and father David are going through what parents should never go through: the loss of a child. No matter how old our children become, they are always our children, our hearts, and our lives. I cannot imagine their pain. My friendship with Eileen spans many years from New Jersey City University, formerly Jersey City State College, where she was first my professor and then a colleague in the Kappa Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She often spoke about her family, including Amy, Jeff, and Eric: and the dog, too. Eileen and David's heavy hearts will hopefully be lifted by the thoughts and prayers offered by so many people who care deeply. September 11, 2001: it has changed us all forever.
January 20, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
YOUNG MAN JEFFREY B.GARDNER AND MAY
HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND
HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND
FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN
Teresa Jahn
January 1, 2002
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Steven Schwartz
December 28, 2001
I grew up with Jeffrey. We were in Cub Scouts together. He lived around the corner from me when we were in elementary school.
My deepest sympathies for his family.
Jessica Nutley
November 12, 2001
I first met Jeff about six years ago when I was a college intern at AIG in New York. Even thought I was low woman on the totem pole, Jeff was very nice to me and I always remembered that. My condolences to Jeff's family and friends on their loss.
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