Canisteo-Jack D. Gardner, JR, 60, of 6400 Cunningham Creek Rd., Canisteo, died suddenly Friday, November 26, 2021 at his home.
Born in Rochester, NY on December 2, 1960, he was the son of Jack Gardner, SR and his mother Frances Castner Gardner.
Jack grew up in the Hornell – Canisteo area and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1979). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and spent time stationed in Korea and Colorado. He then transferred to the New York Army National Guard in 1982 and returned to Hornell. Throughout his military career of 34 years, and prior to retiring as a Sergeant Major in 2014, Jack deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
He worked for many years for his father as a mechanic at Gardner Used Auto Parts. For 27 years, Jack was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation, working in many capacities. He retired in 2020 as the Region 6 fleet supervisor. He was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church of Hornell for many years and served as a volunteer fire fighter for South Hornell Fire Department.
Along with his military service, Jack was most proud of his loving family and will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was married on March 14, 1981 to the former Teresa Burch, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Jason (Kristen Collison) Gardner of Cameron, NC, Sarah (Jordan) Conklin of Corning, Luke (Rachel) Gardner of North Hornell, Zachary Gardner of Canisteo and Uriah Gardner of Canisteo; 7 beloved grandchildren, Elijah, Jack, Molly, Evan, Maggie, William, Charlie and Luke; 1 brother, Alan Gardner of Hornell; 1 sister, Traci (Mike) Porter of Canisteo; his step-mother Karen Gardner of Canisteo; several nieces & nephews.
Jack dedicated his life to serving God, his family and his country. He never considered his service as a burden or sacrifice, but rather counted this as a privilege, and it brought him his greatest joy in life.
A time of remembrance will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, 6034 County Road #69, Canisteo, NY 14823. Family and friends are invited to come and visit with the family and share stories.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 11, 2021, also at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church of Canisteo. Presiding over the service will be Pastor Doug Jones.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jack’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to South Hornell Fire Department.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
