Springhill, FL - Bruce D. Gardner born March 18, 1939 of Danvers, MA, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2019 after a battle with lung cancer. In Bruce's younger years, he was very active in Danvers Little League, where he was the master counselor.   Bruce was also a charter member and master counselor of DeMolay in Danvers, MA.  He graduated from Holten Highschool in 1957 where upon graduating, he became the manager of Woolworths in Waterville, ME.  He spent 4 years in the United States Air Force, working communications while stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, during the beginning of the Vietnam War.  While there, he enjoyed some of the finest Bier at the many local Bier Haus'. Upon his return, he spent several years as a manager of North Beverly Hardware and 25+ years working for Sears and Roebuck.  He spent his last 10 years working for Baileys in Seabrook, NH until his retirement in February of 2001.  He spent 35 years with the love of his life, Shirley R. Gardner, where they enjoyed weekends and vacation time up in Sanford, ME at the Apache Campground with family and friends before her death on August 23, 2001.  Upon retirement, Bruce moved to Springhill, FL where he was able to escape the cold New England winters.  He occupied his time working at Crowders Hardware where he met many great people doing what he loved to do. Bruce is survived by his daughter Dawn Harwood, and his son in law David Harwood of Shapleigh, ME.  His grandson Brian Harwood and his wife Corinne Harwood, two great grand daughters; Mackenzie Harwood and Brenna Ball, also of Shapleigh, ME.  Also, several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his wife Shirley, his brother William, and his sister Faye.
Services - A time of visitation will take place from 4-5pm, with a service to follow, Tuesday, January 15th, at the JS Pelkey Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Rd., Kittery, ME, 03904. To leave online condolences, please visit www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bruce's name to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Care for the Gardner Family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home.