Joseph Gardner Obituary
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Joseph was born on June 23, 1945, in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Samuel Gardner Sr. and Lucinda Ford Gardner. He was the eighth of nine children and the third son.
Joseph grew up in Charleston, graduating from Wallace High School in 1967. Following graduation, he moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, joining three of his brothers and briefly residing with his older sister, Edith Paskins-Williams. While working industrial jobs in Massachusetts, Joe worked at North Print in West Springfield and Hutchins Tools in Springfield. He also worked several other jobs throughout his life and proudly ran his own landscaping business.
During that time, Joe met the love of his life, Loretta Youmans Gardner, in the early 1970s. They wed in 1975 and shared a beautiful life devoted to their faith as Jehovah's Witnesses until her passing on February 5, 2023.
Joe and Loretta were blessed with three beautiful children: the late Chanda Gardner, who preceded him in death, Joseph Gardner Jr., and Jennifer Gardner Hillman (son-in-law Shawn Hillman). They were also blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren: Chavone Gardner, Teiya Gardner, Szneira Jennings, Demond Jennings Jr., Cartiear Jennings, Ivery Hillman, and Shawndell Hillman, all of Springfield, MA.
A truly kind and loving man, Joseph cared deeply for everyone around him. He would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need and was always ready with a warm smile, gentle word, or helping hand. His generosity and selflessness touched countless lives, and he will be remembered for his caring heart and unwavering compassion.
He is survived by his beloved sisters, Edith Paskins-Williams (Tommy), Beatrice Gardner, and Elizabeth Gardner, as well as a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Samuel Gardner Jr., Edward F. Gardner, and James F. Gardner, and by his two older sisters, Ruth Gadsden and Miriam Alexander. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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