Barbara Gardella

Gardella, Barbara, - 89, of Egg Harbor Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Dec. 2, 2020. She was born in Brooklyn, NY to Margaret (nee Burke) and Charles Gartner and spent her formative years in Stamford, CT. She was married to her high school sweetheart for 45 years, Lt. Col. Edward A. Gardella, USAF, who preceded her in death. In Barbara's late teens and early 20's she had a brief career as a professional singer in New York City. After High School she worked as an Executive Assistant to Author and Cartoonist, Ham Fisher, of the widely popular "Joe Palooka" Comic Strip. Barbara became a military wife, homemaker and mother of five. She had a great sense of humor, and was an entertaining storyteller. Barbara loved to cook and was proud of her culinary skills. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to make them laugh. Barbara was an active volunteer for several charities and non- profit enterprises. She is survived by her brother Dr. Richard Gartner (David) of Palm Springs, California, her five children, Allison (Steve) Buono of Sewell, NJ, Craig Gardella of Nashville, Tenn, Diane (Jeff) Nettles of Egg Harbor TWP, NJ, David (Debra) Gardella of Egg Harbor TWP, NJ, and Jacquelyn (Michael) Custodio of Egg Harbor TWP, NJ. Barbara was a loving grandmother to her 13 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Barbara's interment will be at the Estell Manor Veterans Park Cemetery. A private Memorial Service will be held this Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Hospital, (stjude.org),or another charity of your choice.