Richard A."Dick" Gardner

Richard A. (Dick) Gardner

Dick Gardner passed away on November 23rd after a long illness, just short of his 80th birthday. Born in Akron in 1929, he was a graduate of the University of Akron. He taught at Coventry High School, Kenmore East in New York, Draughans Jr. College in Nashville, and at the University of Akron, where he was a charter member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional fraternity for men in education. He served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Following his service he worked as a copywriter, winning 19 awards for excellence in advertising. Dick also served as editor of "The Summit County Democratic Voice" and published numerous newsletters for a number of area businesses.
In retirement, he produced his own television show, "Senior Talk," recorded spiritual reflections, a radio commentary, and published histories of Ellet, Stow, Manchester and Oak Hill. He found great personal and spiritual satisfaction serving as a caregiver and entertaining senior audiences with talks on local history, nostalgia, and the passages of life. He leaves his daughters Laura and Kathy (Pfaff), sons Richard and Jeffrey and grandchildren, Tana Park, McKenna Crumley and Kearsti Gardner. He was preceded in death by his loving companion, Norma Jean Barnes. The family is especially grateful to all of the wonderful nurses and staff at The Briarwood, whose loving care enriched Dick's life immeasurably by not only caring for him, but about him. A Memorial service will be held at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Avenue, on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Brian Nutt officiating. Private Interment at Hillside Memorial Park. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Dick's memory may be sent to Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44312. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAkron.com.

NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 330-784-3334.