Robert Gardner

Robert Gardner, 85, of Venice, FL, died on April 27, 2010. Robert Gardner was born in Manchester, NH November 27, 1924. He graduated from Manchester Central High in June 1943. He was a WWII Veteran and served in the European Theatre of Operations with the 101st Airborne Division, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was a life member of the DAV and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Mr. Gardner graduated from Tilton School in September 1946. He attended Plymouth College for two years and graduated from Springfield College, MA in June 1951. His work tenure included 27 years with Veteran Administration Hospitals. During this period, he held the positions of Chief of Recreation, Voluntary Service, and Public Relations Officer. Following his retirement from the Veterans Administration in 1983, Mr. Gardner worked part time at the Manchester YMCA as life guard and swimming instructor for several years. He also worked in this capacity, part time, for New Hampshire College from May 1988 through November 2000. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Begin Gardner, of Venice, FL; daughter, Mary Gardner of Venice, FL; son Daniel Gardner of Manchester, NH; and a brother, John Gardner, of San Antonio, TX. Mr. Gardner will be cremated in accordance with his wishes.