Bill Gardner

February 6, 1950 ~ November 1, 2021
To watch the livestream of Bill's funeral Mass, go to https://www.streamography.com/lyons-funeral-home
Henry William “Bill” Gardner, Jr., 71, of Danvers, died unexpectedly at his home on Monday morning, November 1, 2021. He was the loving husband of Kathleen A. (Prodanek) Gardner, with whom he shared forty-nine years of marriage.
Born in Newton on Feb. 6, 1950, he was the son of the late Henry W. and Ethel (Masse) Gardner, Sr. He was raised and educated in Newton and was a 1968 graduate of Newton North High School. He then attended Bridgton Academy where he played football and later earned his associate degree from North Shore Community College.
Bill was employed by the Town of Danvers for many years, first as a security officer at Hunt Memorial Hospital and later as a Danvers Police Officer. With his dear friend and brother-in-law, Bruce Talbot, he then owned and operated a mobile home park for thirty-six years.
Bill loved spending time with his family at Pine River Pond in New Hampshire and Mousam Lake in Maine. He enjoyed staying active through running, downhill and cross-country skiing, boating, and hiking. He always made time for his daughters, coaching them in softball and always present at their games and events as they grew up.
An avid reader and accomplished trumpet player, Bill played in the Gordon Cromwell Orchestra. He passed his love of music on to his children.
While he was an expert practical joker who reveled in playing pranks on family and friends, he was a quiet man who led his life with the love he had in his heart for his family.
His greatest joy in life came in recent years when he became “Popsie” to his precious granddaughters. He cherished every moment with them, whether reading a book, playing cards like Old Maid, pushing them on a swing, or playing catch.
In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves his cherished daughters, Meghan Gagne and her husband Greg of Boxford and Ashley Gardner of Texas, two adored granddaughters, Bellamy and Bryn Gagne, his siblings, Ethel Mauder, Susan Ratta, George Gardner, Patricia Arnheim, Cathy Ross, Michael Gardner, John Gardner, and Beth Gardner, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 11AM in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Sunday from 3-6PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Lynda J. Talbot Memorial Fund, 39 Pickering St., Danvers, MA 01923. For directions or to share an expression of sympathy with Billy’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.
To the Gardner Family,
I was lucky enough to have honor of working for Bruce and Billy for 35 Years. That job turned into a friendship. Even though he was the quiet one, he was the one who had the devilish grin.
There were times when I would watch him helping an elderly owner, fixing their mobiles or discreetly buying oil for someone who could not afford it. Sleeping on a cot in the garage so that he could get up early and make sure the roads were plowed so people could go to work. I knew I had made a place at Sleepy Hollow when Billy put my picture on the dart board.
Billy RIP.
You were loved and thanks for the stories and fun.
You will be missed. We will take care of Bruce.
I continue to be very fond of Billy. I think it was almost 40 years ago when we played racquetball together, early in the morning at the YMCA. He was always gentle and kind and I remember him with the kind of attitude that I try to maintain for myself. My condolences to you Kathy. It was always a treat to see you and Bill together, often with some grand children. Precious memory.
A webcast video has been added.
To Meghan and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
38 years ago I met Bill and Kathy. The affection and kindness I witnessed between them was life changing. God provided a blessing to all that were fortuate enough to meet or know Bill. His gentle, kind way was infectious. I see clearly, his character and strength through his prescious daughter Meghan. Bill you will be missed but your true spirit will always be alive through your grandaughers.
Kathy, you were the light of his life and I have been blessed just by witnessing such love and a perfect family made by God. I know Greg will stand strong and proud to carry on Bills Legacy…. his family
Love and blessings and my deepest sorrow for your losss ad pain. …all my love, Claudia
So sorry to hear about uncle Billy’s passing my heart is heavy and I am deeply saddened he was always kind to all of us always joking around with us and it’s brings smiles to us to think of him sending you all prayers and love
So sorry to hear about bill he was great man and landlord him was was our landlord at sleepy hollow mobile home park in Newmarket nh he is going be dearly miss
Kathy and family, sending my condolences! The staff at the Weathervane Tavern always looked forward to seeing you and Bill. Kind, patient with a beautiful soul. Absolutely one of my favorite people. Your watch is over here on earth, rest in peace and watch over your family.
Nancy Fitzgerald Doherty
For the short time I knew Bill it was clear as day how kind of a person he was, especially to his family. I will be forever grateful to him for being a loving father to my sister, beyond what any words can describe. Thank you Bill, the impact and memories of you will forever live on in the hearts and minds of everyone, and your legacy will live on in your grandchildren.
Ryan Nagle
Thank goodness for technology! I’m so sad I was not able to be there in person. I’m still so sad about his passing. He was the sweetest man I knew. Prayers to you all.
I was so sad to hear today, Christmas Day 2024, that you’d passed away in 2021.
The same year as my beloved Dan Krapf.
How sad I am to have lost contact with all my relatives and family members
I’ll always remember Billy as my very favorite babysitter– even if he did scare me by flipping up his eyelids!
Life was carefree and fun in our wonderful extended family where I always wistfully and secretly wished I was one of the Gardiner Children! Billy, your household was always abuzz with life, laughter and love.
I miss that and I miss you as well as ALL my cousins.