Obituary of Eugene Gardiner

Eugene A. Gardiner, 85, of Odessa, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, May 14, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Corning on January 11, 1931, the son of Harold and Margaret (Wiesel) Gardiner. Eugene was a graduate of Odessa Central School and attended Corning Community College. He then went to work with National Homes, building houses in the Southern Tier. He went on to join Bennett Die and Tool, Inc., where he worked for 42 years as a tool and die maker before his retirement in 1996. Eugene was well known in Schuyler County for his dedicated service to the community. A volunteer fire fighter, he served 58 years in the Odessa Fire Department. He was also a member of the Central New York State Fireman's Association, Schuyler County Firefighters Association, and Schuyler County Deputy Coordinator. Eugene was a devoted Christian. He and his wife, Patricia, were members of the St. John's Episcopal Church in Catharine for over 60 years, where he served as a warden and vestry member. He enjoyed camping, gardening, and family gatherings. He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Patricia (Lewis) Gardiner; three daughters, Dawn (Ted) Larison of Cortland, Karen Gardiner of Horseheads, and Denise (Mark) Switzer of Odessa; Eight granddaughters, Kristen Harris of Myrtle Beach, SC, Rebecca (Matthew) Saros of Annapolis, MD, Shannon (Robert) Smith of Zionsville, IN, Jacqueline Switzer (Anthony Rodriguez) of Cape May, NJ, Bridgett Kellogg of Elmira, Jennifer (Herb) Whittaker of Brooktondale, Elizabeth Larison of Brooklyn, and Elise Craver of Odessa; Eight great grandchildren, Jasmine Rory, Emily Donnell, Joseph Saros, Erin Donnell, Isabella Saros, Halley Smith, Peyton Whittaker, and Olivia Whittaker; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Joan Randall of Dryden; and a daughter, Susan Manges (Dick) of Elmira. There will be a memorial service held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Catharine, NY on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Odessa. Friends and family are invited to a reception at the church following the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association (SCVAA), Odessa Fire Department, St. John's Episcopal Church, or CareFirst (Hospice).