Charles William Gardon

MERIDEN - Charles William Gardon, 81, lifelong resident of Meriden, entered eternal peace Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Middlesex Weiss Hospice Unit, after a brave battle with cancer. In Charles' final week of life, he was compassionately cared for at the hospice unit with his family at his side during his final hours. Prior to entering the hospice, Charles had lived at Haven Health Care in Cromwell, where he received loving medical care.

Charles was born in Meriden, April 6, 1927, the son of the late Carlos and Anna (Elle) Gardon. Charles proudly served his country, enlisting voluntarily at the young age of 17, in the U.S. Navy. He was an honored veteran of World War II, having been stationed in the Pacific Theatre in Guam and Saipan. Charles had a long career with New Britain Machine as a distinguished toolmaker for more than 40 years.

Charles will be remembered by his family; his former wife, Roseann Gardon of Meriden; his sons, Charles V. and his wife, Pamela Gardon of Wethersfield, Paul Gardon of Meriden, Vincent and his wife, Amy Gardon of Cornwell, Vt.; as well as his daughters and their spouses, Mary and Michael Kordys of Katy, Texas, Anne Gardon and Johan Greyvensteyn of Seoul, South Korea. Charles was also blessed with five beautiful grandchildren, Anthony Kordys, Monique and Andrew Gardon, Zander and Klara Greyvensteyn. Charles will also be missed by his cherished sister, Ann Zimmerman and her husband, Elmer of Corinna, Maine; as well as by his many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

Charles will be fondly remembered as an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. The family would like to sincerely thank Haven Health Care for their love and support for the past four years. In addition, the family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Middlesex Weiss Hospice Unit medical staff and volunteers for their remarkable level of compassion, love and professionalism.

A Mass of Christian burial celebrating Charles's life will take place Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. directly in Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family appreciatively requests in lieu of flowers , that any donations be sent to the "Middlesex Weiss Hospice Unit" c/o Middlesex Hospital, Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, 06457. The Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield, has been entrusted with the arrangements.