Robert Lucien Gardner, Sr., 89, passed away peacefully in his home on February 19, 2016.
Mr. Gardner, a native of the Portlock section of old Norfolk County, was retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a machinist after 30 years of service. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II; a member of Moose Lodge #898; Masonic Lodge #100; Virginia Police Association; and was active in the Portsmouth Auxiliary Police Department and Portsmouth Sheriff's Department for many years.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Carmen Eva Gardner; five sons, Ronald S. Gardner and wife Kathy, Robert L. Gardner, Jr., Ricky M. Gardner and wife Rhonda, Ryne Gardner and wife Tammy, Rod Gardner and wife Judy; and 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Randall and a daughter, Donna.
A Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Church of St. Therese, Chesapeake, by Rev. Fr. Kevin O'Brien. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the Liturgy, and at a reception in the church social hall immediately following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Church of St. Therese, 4137 Portsmouth Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23321. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFunealHome.com.