Richard Frederick Gardner entered into rest January 26, 2017 after a long battle with Lung Cancer. Born September 28, 1943 in Lockport, NY, the son of Helen (Orlowski) Gardner and Charles Gardner and raised by his adoptive parents Hazel and Oscar Webb. Richard worked as an auto mechanic at Barton Olds, Timkey Cadillac and Heinrich Chevrolet. He went to Harrison Radiator in 1971 and retired in 2005 under Delphi as an Experimental Engineering. Richard served in the Army, stationed in Germany from 1965 to 1968. He also served in the New York State National Guard from 1976 to 1979. He was an avid drag racer and raced his Corvette at Niagara and Lancaster race tracks in the 70’s and a Camaro with his family in the 80’s and 90’sat many east coast NHRA events. Most recently racing a dragster in Competition Eliminator Class.
Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia (Ferguson) Gardner; father of Todd (Paulena White) Gardner of Tonawanda, NY and Steven (Theresa) Gardner of Fort Mills, South Carolina. He is also survived by his sister Joyce Steindorf of Wala, Washington and his best friend Robert Davis.
Relatives and friends may call Friday, March 3rd from 6-8 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 4th at 1 PM in St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport. Memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute would be appreciated.
Visit pruddenandkandt.com.
