Robert H. Gardner

Robert H. “Bob” Gardner, 83, of Norwich, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022, at the Norwich Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

Born on March 31, 1939, in Norwich, Bob was the son of Walter and Annie (Hawley) Gardner. He graduated from Norwich High School, then went to Hartwick College. He worked for 33 years at the Norwich Pharmaceutical Company in research in the Bio-Chemistry department and retired with Procter and Gamble.
Bob was a faithful member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church and was very supportive of their Steeple/Roof repair project. He was also a proud volunteer of Meals On Wheels who honored him for 25 years of service. He loved his route and his “clients”! Bob enjoyed driving his coveted Corvette for many years. In his later years Bob could be found at the YMCA at agua-cise classes, which he looked forward to! Bob was also a Mason for over 50 years.

One of Bob’s favorite pastimes was dancing with the Broken Squares Club. It was there he met his future wife, Jeanne (Bowen) Walsh, who was the love of his life. When he and Jeanne married, they had a “Square Dance Wedding” and for those who attended, it was an unforgettable day. What a joyful, happy wedding that was! We know Heaven is a happier place with Bob and Jeanne dancing again. During their marriage they loved spending time with Jeanne’s four children and their families. They enjoyed traveling and especially their memorable trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and Switzerland. They went on several trips to the Outer Banks in North Carolina where Bob ate all the seafood he could get his hands on! For several years, they got together with the entire Walsh family to celebrate Christmas at a very large bed and breakfast in Cooperstown. After Jeanne passed away in 2017, Bob moved into the Chenango Valley Home. There he enjoyed socializing and making many new friends. He could be found playing Bingo, playing cards, participating in the exercise class, and helping anywhere he could be of assistance. Bob was the ultimate gentleman!

In 1978, Bob met his new neighbors, Ray and Linda Gregory, and their daughters, Amy and Emily. Over the years Bob became a part of the Gregory family. As our family grew to include Bill Phillips (Amy), Devon and Dylan Thomsen, Sierra Gregory (Emily), we all felt blessed to consider Bob a member of our family. He was indeed a gentle man, always helpful, and never had a bad word spoken. Hearing Bob laugh was magic! We are going to miss your laughter.

Bob is survived by his step-children, David (Pamela) Walsh, of Scotia, NY, Nancy (Richard) Walsh-Smith, of Erie, PA, Dennis Walsh (Barbara O’Neill), of Philadelphia, PA, and Brian Walsh (Christine) of Baldwinsville, NY; and step-grandchildren, Erin, Andrew, Steven, Rose, Marcie, Bradley, Thomas, Amy, and James. Twelve step- great-grandchildren also survive.

A memorial service for Bob will be held at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 74 N. Broad St., Norwich, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022. Burial was held privately at Valley View Cemetery in South Otselic, NY. Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Broad Street United Methodist Church, Steeple/Roof Fund, 74 N. Broad St., Norwich NY 13815.