John Gardella, 91, of Fairhaven passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday August 31, 2014. He was the husband of the late Anna (Gregory) Gardella.
Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Stephen and Hannah (Flaherty) Gardella. He graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School and B.M.C. Durfee Institute of Technology, now known as UMass Dartmouth. He excelled in sports both during school and during his adult life. He was an avid New England sports fan.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was formerly employed by the Newport Naval Underwater Systems Center. During that time, he was the President of the National Association of Government Employees. He continued to served his country and community organizing the first Opportunity of Economic Development, Head Start, and programs for the disadvantaged in Fairhaven. He was a longtime Fairhaven Town Meeting member. For many years he was a member of the Sons of Italy, serving as President.
John spent many winters in Cocoa Beach, Florida. That beach and Fort Phoenix were special places in his life.
Survivors include two daughters, Anne Chadwick Gardella and Susan Almeida and her husband Joseph, all of Fairhaven; five grandchildren, Suzanne Foley of Fairhaven, Lisa Driscoll of Hyannis, Jayne Gagnon of Mattapoisett, Margo Almeida and Jonathan Almeida, both of Fairhaven; four great-grandchildren, Christopher, Caitlyn, and Michael Gagnon, and Taylor Foley; two sisters, Angela Tripp and her husband Robert, and Virginia Burke and her husband Thomas, all of Dartmouth; a brother, Joseph Gardella of Milford; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by one sister and seven brothers.
A Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday September 20, 2014 at 11 AM at St. Mary's Church, Fairhaven. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Jimmy Fund or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.