Joseph C. Gardner, of Marco Island, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Joe was the beloved husband of Susan M. “Sooz” Gardner (née Hayes) who shared 31 years of happily married life.

Joe was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx. He was the son of the late Harlow and Loretta Schaff Gardner. Joe spent many happy summers in Ocean City, NJ with his family. He graduated from Grove City College and received his MBA from Seton Hall University. His career began at Price WaterHouse Cooper as a CPA, Merck as a controller and ended his career and retired from GlaxoSmithKline as a Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer.

Joe loved watching his children playing their sports whether it be field hockey at Cornell, tennis or softball.

Upon retirement Joe and Susan moved permanently to Marco Island where Joe enjoyed being on numerous committees including Finance, Strategic Planning, the Cancer Committee at Hideaway Beach Club and the Tax District on Marco Island. He loved playing racquetball and pickleball which he was instrumental in establishing at Hideaway. Joe also loved attending all the social events with his dear friends.

In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his two daughters, Genevieve Gardner and Kimmy Reinking (Daane) along with his granddaughters Brooklyn and Blake, his stepchildren Allison Morby (Rich), and Jamie Hassall (Kerri), grandchildren Wesley and Rose Morby. Also survived by his brother Donald Gardner (Billie) and many other loving family members. He was predeceased by his sister Claire Colangelo (late Bob).

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Saturday September 7, 2024 at 11am at Wesley United Methodist Church, 350 S Barfield Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Marco Dementia Respite (MDR) P.O. Box 813, Marco Island, FL 34146.

The MDR program provided Joe with many years of enjoyment and at the same time the caregiver group gave Susan needed weekly support.