1929
Richard
2019
Richard Carner Gardner
March 21, 1929 — September 7, 2019
Captain Richard Carner Gardner USN (Ret) of La Mesa, CA passed away on September 7, 2019 with his wife and family members at his side.
Richard and his twin brother Roger were born on their grandparents’ kitchen table on March 21, 1929, in Greenport, New York, joining older brother Douglas. Their parents were Douglas and Althea Biggs Gardner. He attended Greenport schools, then the New York State Maritime College where he earned a Bachelor of Marine Science.
Following his commissioning as an officer in the United States Navy, he served a long and distinguished career highlighted by deployments across the world, commands of several ships, and multiple senior staff positions. Military decorations included the Bronze Star with Combat V, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V.
Further education included a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Navy Postgraduate School, the Command and Staff Course and the Naval Warfare Course at the Naval War College, and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University. After military retirement he earned a secondary school teaching credential in math and science from National University and was a substitute teacher for several years.
Richard’s volunteer and community service were primarily focused on youth — his daughters’ elementary and high schools, Girl Scouts, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Bobby Sox, and math and science tutoring. In addition, he did volunteer projects for the San Diego Museum of Art and was a precinct inspector at the polls for many elections.
Survivors are his wife of 52 years, Zita; his daughters Shauna Katherine McGlynn (Sean McGlynn) of Walnut Creek, CA and Leslie Marie Gardner of La Mesa, CA; grandchildren Zoe Katherine McGlynn, Maile Jane McGlynn, Maggie Elizabeth McGlynn, and Miles William Gardner McGlynn; and twelve nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, and four nephews.
The family thanks the wonderful caregivers at Bonita Sunrise Senior Living who provided such kind and loving care the past year and a half as Richard’s memory loss took control of his life.
Burial service will be at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 24th, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego. If attending, please arrive by 11:10 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored with contributions in support of the San Diego Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge programs for youth— checks payable to FFVF-SD, P.O. Box 81614, San Diego, CA 92138-1614.
Richard and his twin brother Roger were born on their grandparents’ kitchen table on March 21, 1929, in Greenport, New York, joining older brother Douglas. Their parents were Douglas and Althea Biggs Gardner. He attended Greenport schools, then the New York State Maritime College where he earned a Bachelor of Marine Science.
Following his commissioning as an officer in the United States Navy, he served a long and distinguished career highlighted by deployments across the world, commands of several ships, and multiple senior staff positions. Military decorations included the Bronze Star with Combat V, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V.
Further education included a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Navy Postgraduate School, the Command and Staff Course and the Naval Warfare Course at the Naval War College, and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University. After military retirement he earned a secondary school teaching credential in math and science from National University and was a substitute teacher for several years.
Richard’s volunteer and community service were primarily focused on youth — his daughters’ elementary and high schools, Girl Scouts, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Bobby Sox, and math and science tutoring. In addition, he did volunteer projects for the San Diego Museum of Art and was a precinct inspector at the polls for many elections.
Survivors are his wife of 52 years, Zita; his daughters Shauna Katherine McGlynn (Sean McGlynn) of Walnut Creek, CA and Leslie Marie Gardner of La Mesa, CA; grandchildren Zoe Katherine McGlynn, Maile Jane McGlynn, Maggie Elizabeth McGlynn, and Miles William Gardner McGlynn; and twelve nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, and four nephews.
The family thanks the wonderful caregivers at Bonita Sunrise Senior Living who provided such kind and loving care the past year and a half as Richard’s memory loss took control of his life.
Burial service will be at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 24th, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego. If attending, please arrive by 11:10 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored with contributions in support of the San Diego Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge programs for youth— checks payable to FFVF-SD, P.O. Box 81614, San Diego, CA 92138-1614.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Carner Gardner, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Starts at 11:30 am (Pacific time)
Miramar National Cemetery
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