Fred H. Gardiner
Fred H. Gardiner age 87, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 18, 2021 at The Watermark at 3030 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. Born in Bridgeport on December 26, 1933, the son of the late Fred A. and Mildred Gardiner, he was a lifelong Fairfield resident, growing up on Parkway with 3 siblings who nicknamed him "Deed," and summered on Pleasure Beach. He attended the Fairfield Public Schools and worked summers tarring the local roads in town. He went on to raise his family on Mona Terrace and then on Old Field Road, where he lived the rest of his life until he moved into assisted living at The Watermark in Bridgeport, CT.
He attended the Pennsylvania Military College, going on to honorably serve as both a 1st Lieutenant and an Infantry Unit Commander in the US Marine Corps, at Camp Lejeune, NC. He graduated in 1957 from his beloved UCONN, where he was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and the 1955 Homecoming King. He graduated with a degree in Economics and a minor in Political Science. In his later years, he was also an active member of the UCONN alumni community, regularly visiting his kids while students on campus, attending and tailgating at every home football game (watching from "the Hill"), and walking the parade route along with the UCONN marching band leader.
He was a devoted parishioner and acolyte for his dearly loved Father Joseph A. Racioppi, rector at Trinity St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Bridgeport. After that, he was a steadfast and lifelong parishioner, and served on the altar, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fairfield.
Fred was an active and passionate member of the Fairfield Hook and Ladder Company #1. He served for several years as a member and chairman of the Fairfield Fire Commission, along with his wonderful friends, at the Fairfield Fire Department.
Many will remember Fred most of all as an avid gardener (no pun intended) who grew the best vegetables in town. Most notable were his tomatoes and cucumbers! Anyone who knew, would drive by his house on Old Field Road to honk, smile, and wave as he happily worked endlessly on his yard and in his gardens.
Professionally, he worked almost his entire life for Southern New England Telephone (SNET) as a Manager of Community Affairs. He also had years of gratifying and extensive community involvement in a variety of positions including: director and member of the executive committee for Bridgeport Regional Business Council, board member of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund, director of the Shelton Economic Development Corporation, commissioner of the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District, director of the southeastern chapter of Fairfield County Red Cross, lecturer of Fire Department Labor Relations for the International Society of Fire Service Instructors. He was also active in the Kiwanis Club, the Algonquin Club, and Bridgeport's Barnum Festival, once serving as the Festival King.
He is survived by his former spouse and lifelong friend, Diane S. Gardiner of Bridgeport, CT. He also leaves behind his pride and joy, his four children, Kyle H. Gardiner of Stratford; Erik T. Gardiner and his wife, Nancy, of Fairfield; Jennifer G. Chiota and her husband, Chris, of Southborough, MA; and Allison G. Kovac of Bridgeport. As well as his ten grandchildren, Ryan, Shane and Ben Gardiner; Chloe, Olivia, Grace, and Graham Chiota; Gwen, Eve and Tillman Kovac.
He is also survived by three siblings, Shelley Ledoux, Daniel Gardiner, Virginia Gardiner, as well as two nephews and two nieces.
A memorial service, at a date to be announced, will be held next spring outside in the memorial garden at St. Paul's Church in Fairfield.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Spear-Miller Funeral Home.
Many fond memories with Fred on Parkway and at UCONN. We had some wild rides coming home campus. What a guy !
Eileen Anthony Doherty
Friend
December 6, 2021
Fred Gardiner was a truly outstanding person. Our family has known and interacted with him and his family for many , many years . We will all never forget Fred for the tremendous kindness that he showed to our sister in her time of particular need. But , wasn't that just Fred all over? His namesake Dad also showered an abundance of caring and support over us for decades. Our world has lost a shining , guiding star. What a pleasure it was to have him with us !
John S. Santa
Friend
December 4, 2021
I am saddened to hear the news of Fred's passing. Fred was one of the most decent men I have ever met. He was a roll model as a husband and father, not a bashful man, he would share his opinion and why he thought so. Gods peace Fred, you were a good man, farewell my friend.
Jim Comstock
December 3, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family & friends. I worked with Fred in the late 1980´s he was one of the most fair, kind, caring managers I´d encountered at SNET his integrity & morality along with his wit & humor still warm my heart today. May he Rest in Paradise.
Brenda Jones
December 3, 2021
Allison and Family -- So sorry to hear about the Loss of your Dad and Grandfather. xoxooox
Judy Smith
Friend
December 3, 2021
Mr. Fairfield/UCONN/SNET/Barnum Festival/Fire Commissioner/USMC & Port 5.
Fred, Rest in Peace.
Mary Ellen Luby
December 3, 2021
Rest in Peace, Deed.
You were a great big brother.
I still remember " Sam the Snake" and spaghetti at 1 am.
Love,
Gin
Kendall Gardiner
Family
December 2, 2021
My deepest sympathy to all of the Gardiner family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pete Stansfield
December 2, 2021
I started at SNET in 1968. Fred was a very kind man and one of the good mgmt people.Sorry for your loss
Barbara j Custer
Work
December 2, 2021
I'm so sorry for the loss in your family. Fred will leave a huge void that I only pray will be filled with wonderful memories.
Lyn Townshend
Other
December 1, 2021
Rest In Peace Fred.
Christopher Silhavey (SNET)
Work
December 1, 2021
Semper Fidelis my friend
Colonel Thomas Kanasky
December 1, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home
December 1, 2021
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