Our beloved husband, father and friend, John P. Gardner, of Sneads Ferry, NC, passed away on February 16, 2013 after a long and valiant battle with lymphoma/leukemia.

John was born October 6, 1949 in Rochester, MN and graduated from Lourdes High School. He married Lynda Lea Zander in 1970. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972, and served as a Crew Chief on a CH-46 Helicopter during Vietnam.  Following his military service he graduated from Parks College of Aeronautical Technology at Saint Louis University with a Bachelors of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, and later received an M.B.A from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. John was proudly employed with Sikorsky Aircraft for 34 years, a career he loved.   John spent many years coaching sports in Branford, Connecticut and was considered by many as a father, a mentor, and a friend.

John is survived by his wife and two children, Patrick (Megumi) Gardner, Columbia, MD , Shannyn (Kevin) Gardner, Rockville, MD; one grandchild, Kazuo Gardner; four siblings, Kathleen Wilson, Rochester, MN, Shawn (Liana) Gardner, Rochester, Dennis (Terri) Gardner, Rochester and Kevin (Teresa) Gardner, Lemoore, CA. He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle Gardner, and mother, Evelyn (Towey) Gardner.

On March 1, 2013, visitation with John's family will take place from 5 P.M. to 6 P.M. at the Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel, 1105 12 ^th St SE, Rochester, MN, followed by a memorial service celebrating John's life.

The family requests that any memorial contributions in honor of John be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center via www.mdanderson.org/gift ,  specifically designated for aspergillus research.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com and also at www.NCcremation.com