Robert Peter Gardner

Southington-Robert Peter Gardner, age 76, formerly of Wolcott, passed away at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain on Wednesday January 17, 2018 surrounded by his children.

Bob was born in Waterbury, CT on April 26, 1941, son of the late Harold and Dorothy (Nelson) Gardner.  He grew up in Middlebury, attended local schools, and was a graduate of Crosby High School class of 1959 where he lettered in baseball, basketball and football.   He retired from Pratt and Whitney after 33 years of service.  Bob was an avid golfer and scored three holes in one to his credit, and was still shooting par in his 70’s. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and was well known for his sharp-witted sense of humor and huge smile. Bob spent his last 10 years enjoying golf and sunshine in Florida.

He proudly served his country in the United States Airforce from 1961-1965.  He was stationed in Turkey as a communications specialist, where he gathered intelligence on Soviet submarine activity in and around the Black Sea.

Bob is survived by his son, Jeffrey R. Gardner of Wolcott; his daughter Lisa Zembruski and her husband Steven of Middlebury; his grandchildren, Steven Zembruski, Jr., of Boston, MA, and Morgan Rose Zembruski of Middlebury; his brother, David Gardner and his wife Maryann of Wolcott; several nieces and nephews; his former wife, Rosemarie Perrotti; his companion Margaret “Peggy” Wilcox, both of Southington.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Harold N. Gardner and Daniel T. Gardner.

Visitation will be held on Saturday January 20, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck, followed by service at noon. Members of the Naugatuck Veterans Council are asked to please meet at 11:45 a.m.at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com

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