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May 11, 2017

William E. Gardner, Sr.

William E. Gardner, Sr. (66) of Squantum, passed away at home on May 11, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was a graduate of North Quincy High School, Class of 1970 and was co-captain of the hockey team.  For 29 years, he worked for the Boston Globe, the last 15 years as the credit manager.  After retiring from the Globe, Bill worked as a case specialist for the Norfolk County Juvenile Court retiring in 2016. Bill’s life was centered on his family, friends and community. He was a long-time resident of Squantum where he served as a coach for Squantum Youth Softball, Baseball, Sacred Heart Basketball and the Squantum Storm Youth Football Team, where he also served as treasurer.  Bill delighted the children of Squantum for many years as the Easter Bunny at the annual Easter Party. He also proudly served as a Grand Marshall in the 100th Annual Squantum 4th of July parade. Bill also participated in the Annual Quincy Christmas parade taking care of all of the Costume Characters for many years.  

Bill was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren and he loved his family and friends dearly.  He loved life and accepted everyone for who they were. Bill Gardner didn’t have a mean bone in his body, he knew only how to be kind and caring. Bill was the beloved husband of 38 years to his high school sweetheart, Alicia A. (Noble) Gardner. Loving father of Nancy L. and her husband Eugene DeLisle of Quincy, William E. Gardner, Jr. of Quincy, and Robert C. Gardner and his wife Caroline (Gillis) of Weymouth. Devoted grandfather of Andrew J. DeLisle, Nathan E. DeLisle, Desmond R. Gardner and baby Gardner to be born this fall.  Brother of Richard T. Gardner and his wife Joan of Venice, FL and the late Janet Gardner. Son of the late Edith M. (Keddy) and Charles R. Gardner.  Son-in-law of Robert G. Noble, Sr. and the late Gloria A. Noble of Quincy.  Brother-in-law of Robert G. Noble, Jr. and his wife Donna of Quincy, Nancy Noble and her husband Charles McLaughlin of Harwich, and Andrea White and her husband Roger of Quincy. Godfather to Susan (Keddy) Martin, Timothy E. Gardner and Roger White, Jr.  Uncle to Michelle (Keddy) Consalvo and Brian Keddy, Christopher Noble, Elizabeth (Noble) Gatz, and Kathryn Noble, Julia White, Matthew McLaughlin and Peter McLaughlin. Great-Uncle to Macayla Noble, Devon Gatz, Meredith Gatz, and Ruby Gardner.  Bill is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, May 15th, 4-8 PM at Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the funeral home at 9:45 AM on Tuesday with a Funeral Mass to follow at Sacred Heart Church, North Quincy at 10:30 AM.  Burial will be private. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Arc of South Norfolk/The Family Autism Center, 789 Clapboardtree St., Westwood, MA 02090 or Crossroads School, 11 Huron Dr., Natick, MA 01760.