Donald M. "Don" Gardner

Donald M. Gardner 1928 - 2012 SPRINGFIELD - Donald M. Gardner, 83, died on March 1 of complications from prostate cancer. Born on December 17, 1928 in Hartford, CT, he was the son of Hugh and Christina Gardner. Don graduated from Hamilton College in 1950. The following year he married Mary Famularo. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University. In 1955, he was hired as a chemist by Shawinigan Resins Corp. in Indian Orchard and the couple moved to Springfield, MA where they raised three children, Craig, Janice, and Cheryl. Don earned an MBA at American International College in 1969 while working at Monsanto, where he specialized in adhesives and paints. He retired in 1991 after 36 years of service. A founding member of Pioneer Valley Photographic Artists, Don was an avid photographer of nature and architecture. Don is survived by his son Craig Gardner, wife Debra, granddaughters Marissa and Lauren; daughter Janice Gardner and her husband Ted Prato; daughter Cheryl Gardner; and his former wife, Mary Gardner. There are no calling hours and a memorial gathering will be private. Donations in Don Gardner's name may be made to Friends of the Springfield Library, 220 State St., Springfield, MA 01103.