Richard H. Gardner

April 28, 2020

Richard H. Gardner

ORANGE- Richard H. Gardner, 85, of East River Street, died Sunday, April 19, 2020 at Alliance Health at Baldwinville.

Born in Holyoke on November 14, 1934, he was a son of Everett and Ella (North) Gardner and grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School.

He was married to Hazel (Smith) in 1975 and enjoyed 39 years until her death on June 9, 2014. Richard was previously married to Beverly (Laffond), the mother of his three daughters.

Employed by the Union Twist Drill in Athol for a number of years, Richard had also worked at the family owned business, Athol Lacquer Company, as well as Temple Oil and drove school bus.

Richard enjoyed car racing, especially go kart. He had earned many trophies and both he and Beverly had been crowned State Champions for several years, with the girls cheering on from the pits.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Vernee Laclair and Michelle Gardner, both of Athol, and Lynn Teague of Royalston; four grandchildren; a brother, Roger Gardner of Westfield; and several nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by a brother, Everett Gardner.

There are no calling hours and services will be private.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

You may offer your sympathy online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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