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Donald Gardner Obituary
Don enjoyed a military career that he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp and the U.S. Army for over 30 years. Donald "Digger" Gardner was an avid sports enthusiast especially his fantastic St. Louis Cardinals. He was a historical researcher of all things pertaining to the city he loved, Troy, N.Y.
A loving father, brother, uncle, and G-POP, Mr. Gardner is survived by his loving son and best friend, Justin Gardner (Valerie); his Grandchildren Alana and Aidan; his daughter Jamie Logan-Soles (Bo), and his son Jonathan Logan (Sarah) and his granddaughter August. He is the brother of Robert M. (Diana) Gardner and life-long friend of Bonnie Jean Bailey- Beaulieu. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Relatives and friends are invited and my call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A service in celebration of Donald's life will follow at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, 101 State St., Schenectady, NY 12305 in memory of Donald W. Gardner Jr. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerAlbany.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Gardner
Alana Gardner
June 4, 2014
I'm his only grand daughter. I miss him a lot. He was a great man, always willing to give everything he had, to my father, Justin Gardner. Love you,Gpop.
Lisa Olsen
May 27, 2014
SO sorry for your loss Justin Many thoughts and prayers to you at this difficult time..
Maureen Ellis Ramroth
May 27, 2014
I am one of thousands of Digger's Troy Memories fans. He was the brilliant history professor and we were his enthusiastic and appreciative students. Rest in Peace Don and thanks for everything
May 27, 2014
Don loved Troy, and we loved that he shared so much with us on FB. I will miss his posts and kindness. Thankful for his Service and his generosity.
Kathleen Mazzrillo
Eric KEVILLE
May 26, 2014
Donnie G or better known to me as Mr.G!! A great man and a HUGE fan. He never missed a game weather it was Troy High hoop or Baseball. He was always there. Supporting not only his son but even treating a special group of us like sons!! He always gave great advice and a majority of the time it worked!! Later on as we got older he rarely missed a softball game and even coached his boys to a championship!! He was the man, told it like it was at all times!! Mr. G will be greatly missed!! Yutty and Jonathan I'm sorry for your loss!! Love Saucy!!
Judy Zimmie
May 26, 2014
May 25, 2014
my special friend...though we never physically "met"...one special man...I feel honored to have known you, if only for a few short years...
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/troyrecord/donald-gardner-condolences/171118535?&page=3#sthash.JPN9A5kO.dpuf
May 26, 2014
Don will always hold such a special place in mine and my boys heart. You gave us unconditional love, support and kindness. You have been one of my best friends for over 35 years. We had so much fun laughing and looking at old pictures reliving our memories. I will miss our talks and most of all I will miss your laugh. Thank you for being my friend. Till we meet again my friend, RIP. Love always.....
Deborah Faria
May 25, 2014
Don, I shall remember the quick turn of your head to the side, the twinkling eyes & that smile that said, We All Get It! Your on your way to the next journey, God Speed!
Dawn Bergerson
May 25, 2014
Digger I will miss you and your photos and all the e-cards, you will always remain in my heart a wonderful man you were!
Howard Barrett
May 25, 2014
I posted a photo of my parents at the Rensselaer County Vietnam Memorial and Don commented " Howard this should be framed"
karen
May 25, 2014
My facebook friend Thank you all of the great memories that you shared.I miss you. God bless and rest in peace.Your family will find comfort in knowing that you are now their guardian angel...
Augie Bicknese
May 25, 2014
Rest in peace Digger. It was my honor to serve with you.
Bob Falk
May 25, 2014
With every one of Don's posts on Troy Memories you could just see what love he had for Troy and for history in general. You could see he was smiling with every post. Don, was an admin on Troy Picture Book and on Back When. He kept busy working on all of them. He was the most beloved and followed member of these groups. Not only that, people constantly let Don know how much they enjoyed and appreciated his posts so he was completely aware of how much he was loved by all. The empty spot he leaves in these groups can never be filled. I will continue to regularly post again all of Don's classics. Through these recycled posts Don will always have a presence there as long as I and the other admins are running the groups. There really is no way I can really express just how much we will miss him -Bob Falk
Patricia Goldsberry
May 25, 2014
Donny you will be greatly missed. I will always hold you close in my heart. Love you
Sarah Goldsberry-Baker
May 25, 2014
Uncle Don ,I will always remember how you could make even a sad situation into a funny one. You will always be in my memories as my only Uncle. Love you always and forever.
Paul Dillon
May 25, 2014
I'm one who only knew Digger through the Troy Memories site. His contributions were a key factor in giving much of us a sense of community to a city we might have left years ago but never left our hearts. Thanks for everything Digger. RIP.
Eve Alaxanian
May 25, 2014
Justin,
Love is Missing someone whenever your apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because your're close in Heart.
He will always be with you, Memories will never go away. But know now he is resting in paradise and will always be an Angel for you and Alana and AIden , A day will not go by that you will not have a memory of something you did with your Dad when you see something. You will say Hey Dad, and Smile. Know and remember he loved you and the kids and hang on to the fact that You had a special relationship with your Dad, Best Friends.
Gone to soon. RIP Don. May you always shine at night as one of the bright star's to show your family your watching from a afar . Gone but never forgotten. In my Prayers and thoughts.
Leslie Lubking Wagar
May 25, 2014
Although I never met Don, I have so enjoyed his posts on FB. I looked forward to each day knowing that I would find, yet another, historical fact from Don. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you walk this journey.
Eve Alaxanian
May 25, 2014
From The USMC HYMN
Here's health to you to our Corps, Which we are proud to serve, In many strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve, If the Army, Navy ever look on Heaven's Scenes they will find the streets are Guarded by the U S M. Rest Easy in Paradise Don. You will be greatly Missed.
Maria Morris Goyer
May 25, 2014
We never met Mr. Gardner but we always thoroughly enjoyed his historical postings and photos of old Troy on Facebook. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dave and Maria Morris Goyer
May 25, 2014
my special friend...though we never physically "met"...one special man...I feel honored to have known you, if only for a few short years...
Joanne Malpass
May 25, 2014
So sorry to hear of Don's passing.From the morning of birth until the night of death,life is a journey. May Peace be with you always.
MINDY BRUCE
May 25, 2014
GODSPEED
Gloria Mastropietro
May 25, 2014
May he RIP, he is with his Mom & Dad.. now he will get all the answers
Sheila Birch-Filkins
May 25, 2014
May the love of family and friends help you through this very difficult time. Don's posts on facebook brought wonderful memories and so much joy to so many people. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to his family. Thank you Don for your service. Rest in peace. Semper Fi.
William Bruce III
May 25, 2014
I never met Don, but he helped me very much remembering what life in my hometown of Troy,NY was like. He would post pictures on facebook, and instantly bring me back to the good old days. May he rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to all of Don's family and friends.
JIM GAGLIARDI
May 25, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
May 25, 2014
Rest in peace Digger. You're joining my father who also died suddenly at 61 and buried last week at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Thank you for all that you did in life and my condolences to Digger's family.
Paul Dunphy Jr.
Harry Rodman Jr
May 24, 2014
How sad. I have enjoyed the pictures and information on Old Troy for many years. God Speed!
Don Roy
May 24, 2014
Don will be missed very much. It was an honor and pleasure to serve with him in the 142d Aviation.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
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May
27
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9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
New Comer Cremations & Funerals - Colonie343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY 12205
May
27
Celebration of Life
10:30 a.m.
New Comer Cremations & Funerals - Colonie343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY 12205
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New Comer Cremations & Funerals - Colonie343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY 12205
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