Donald Dennis Gardner, 67, of Goffstown, died March 13, 2014 at Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, FL, following a sudden illness.
He was born in Manchester on January 25, 1947, son of Hildred and Jeannette (Ruel) Gardner and had resided in the city for many years before moving to Goffstown in 1991. He graduated from Manchester Memorial High School, Class of 1965.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970 and was a Vietnam Veteran. His USAF occupational specialty was Jet Engine Mechanic, serving three and a half years in Upper Heyford, England plus 1 year in Vietnam as an aircrew member on the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant Helicopter used for Combat Search and Rescue missions.
He was a 38 year member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, Local 131, working as a journeyman, a Local Labor Organizer and New England Labor Organizer
He retired to enjoy numerous Caribbean cruises. He also loved to spend time in Florida, later becoming a snowbird, residing at Oceanside North, Pompano Beach, FL.
Don is survived by his two sons, Joseph Gardner, William Gardner and William’s wife Melissa, all of Manchester; four grandchildren, Emily, William, Harrison, and Annabella; and brother Hildred (Hilly) Gardner of Manchester; one sister, Cheryl Ann Praetz and her husband Scott of Salem; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 in the chapel at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street, Manchester. Committal prayers and military burial honors followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 275 Chestnut Street, Manchester, NH 03101; www.dav.org/donate.