If nothing good can last forever, we must be grateful for the time we have with people who exemplify greatness. Walter E. Gardner was the epitome of greatness.

Walter Gardner passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren on September 6th.

He was born to Walter and Marian Gardner, of Jersey City, on December 11, 1932. After he graduated from high school, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy, on both the USS Albany and stateside in Connecticut.

After his honorable discharge, he moved to the Jersey Shore, where he began working for Pepsi and attending – then – Monmouth College. Once completing his degree, he was employed by Deal School, where he taught math for over 41 years. He was adored by his students.

In 1975, he met, and then married his best friend and the love of his life, Susan Norman. Susan brought with her three daughters whom he loved and cherished as his own.

Walter loved cruising with his wife, spending many hours in his beautiful garden & pool, watching the Mets, and being perpetually frustrated by the Jets.  Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, who loved him to the moon and back.

Walter is predeceased by his parents, sister Carol Corbally, and brother Robert Gardner.  He is survived by his love and best friend Susan, daughters Stacy and her husband Gordon Gemma, Cami and her husband Jonathan Fabricant, and Julie and her husband Bob Silverman. “Pa Walter” was adored and will be missed by his grandchildren Max Gemma, Bryan Gemma and his wife Francesca, Maddie, Charlie, and Will Fabricant, Gabe and his wife Julia, Isaac, and Jonah Silverman. Additionally, his nephew, James Krampert and his wife Brenda, niece Sharon and her husband Jack Nickolaus, his grandnieces, and the countless students who loved Mr. Gardner.

Service will be held on Monday, September 9 at 2:30pm at Congregation Torat El, 301 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst. Burial will follow at Temple Beth El Cemetery, 3351 Corlies Avenue, Neptune City.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Walter’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering www.mskcc.org

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Walter, please visit his page of tribute at www.WoolleyBoglioli.com