ROBERT GARDELLA

Robert F. Gardella Died July 20, 2012. Bob was born Jan. 5, 1925 in Sumner, WA of pioneer stock. Grandfather Gus, who came up the Puyallup river by canoe in the Ezra Meeker era, grew hops in Sumner. After birth Bob soon moved with stepfather Fred C. Soper and mother Byrd's three boys, joined by Fred Jr. and sister Estella, to South Prairie. He attended schools in South Prairie and Buckley. He joined the Navy at 17 and trained as an aviation mechanic, serving on various aircraft carriers in all the major South Pacific battles during WWII. He was medically discharged in 1947. He worked most of his life as a log truck driver for St. Regis and later Champion Lumber Co., living in the Orting area. Preceded in death by wife Margaret, parents, and siblings Norman Gardella, Jerry Cutlar, and Estella Soper Belcher. Survived by brother Fred D. Soper and wife Jessie, and numerous nieces and nephews. At the time of his death he was living at Emeritus "The Courtyard" in Puyallup. We wish to thank the staff for all the T.L.C. At Bob's request there will be no service. He will be buried with wife Margaret in Orting with full military honors. Bob joins numerous shipmates and too many friends to count. Good Night Sailor. Love ya, see ya later. Fred and Jessie