Ralph A. Gardner

On July 13, 2013, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and special friend, Ralph A. Gardner, 81, of lost his long and courageous battle to Parkinsons disease. He was surrounded by his loving family at his home in East Berkshire.Ralph is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Beverly Klossner Gardner, his children Dale Johnson and Dawn Olson, grandchildren: Joel Olson, Dan Johnson and fiance Suzi Wilson, Betsy Olson, Renee (Mike Strangeway) Johnson , great grandsons: Jordan Johnson, James Craig, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Lyman and Eliza Gardner, great grandson Troy Troy Boy Johnson and siblings, Eugene, Don and Martha. Ralph received an AAS degree from Broome Technical College and for more than 35 years was employed by the Telephone Company, starting with the Bell System and retiring from Verizon. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean Conflict; served on the Berkshire Town Board for 17 years; attended East Berkshire United Methodist Church; enjoyed polishing gem stones and attending antique car shows. He was a gentle and quiet man with a great sense of humor. He and Bev enjoyed many special Saturday morning breakfasts with their close group of special friends. Ralph took great pride in his family and home and over the years, folks have looked forward to and enjoyed seeing the holiday decorations surrounding his home. He will be greatly missed.A Funeral Service and Celebration of His Life will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, July 17 at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Berkshire where full military honors will be accorded. His family will receive their friends Tuesday from 4-7 PM at the MacPherson Funeral Home. Friends who wish to honor Ralphs memory may kindly consider, the Berkshire Fire Dept., his church, the Parkinson Foundation or Lourdes Hospice. Remembrances may be shared in his guest book at macphersonfh.comRalph and Beverly are extremely grateful and thankful to the many family members and dear friends who helped to provide care and comfort to Ralph over the years.