Robert Richard Gardner

Robert Richard Gardner Sr. “Bob”

Bob, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and proud United States Navy veteran, passed away on September4, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of his family.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy before beginning a long career with the United States Postal Service. But the titles he carried throughout his life could never fully describe the man he was. More than anything, he was a husband, a dad, a grandpa, a friend, and a father figure to more people than he probably ever realized.

He met the love of his life, Sadie, in Scotland, and they began a life together that would span the years and bring together not only two people, but many families. He loved and was loved deeply by his family, including Grandpa Phinn, Grandma Phinn, Aunt Nettie, Uncle George, and the many others who became part of his life through that marriage.

He was a devoted father to his sons, Rob and Brian. Rob and his wife, Meg, gave him two grandchildren, Morgan and Kyle, and Brian gave him two more, Evan and Ella. Being their grandpa was another chapter in a life centered around family.

His extended family was equally important to him, including Madeline Kirchgessner (Phinn) and her children, Karrie and Michael, as well as Mike and Janet Essert and the many relatives whose lives intertwined with his over the years.

But with Dad, family was never limited to relatives.

Over the years, many of his sons’ friends became his “other sons” and part of the family. Jason and Lindsey Burlage, along with their children, Graham and Julia, held a special place in his life. So did Janet Franks, a treasured friend who may not have been related by blood but was certainly part of the family he built around himself.

Dad had a way of making people feel like they belonged.

There was always room for one more person. After his sons and their friends had been out late, Dad might be the one making breakfast the next morning—although depending on the day, you might eventually discover that what Dad called “sausage” was actually Spam.

Those are the stories that will keep him with us.

He enjoyed the ordinary things in life. A trip to Kroger wasn't necessarily just a grocery run. Dad enjoyed getting out, seeing people, talking to people, and somehow knowing someone almost everywhere he went. He was part of his community, and his community became part of him.

More than anything, Dad showed his love by being there.

He was there for his wife. He was there for his sons and grandchildren. He was there for family, friends, and the people who became family somewhere along the way.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sadie; his sons, Rob (Meg) and Brian; his grandchildren, Morgan, Kyle, Evan, and Ella; his extended family, including Madeline Kirchgessner (Phinn), Karrie and her son’s Liam and Oliver, Michael, and his son’s Brian and Tyler, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Janet (Essert); and the many friends and chosen family who loved him, including Jason and Lindsey Burlage and their children, Graham and Julia.

Dad spent his life taking care of the people around him. We will miss his voice, his stories, his humor, his familiar routines, and simply knowing that he was there.

The places he occupied in our lives will never quite feel the same without him.

But the stories about our Bobby will continue.

The laughter will continue.

And the love he gave us will remain.

You were deeply loved, Dad. And you always will be.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. until time of funeral services at 1:00 P.M. all at Jackman Hensley Funeral Home 215 Broadway Street Harrison, Ohio 45030. Burial will follow at New Haven Cemetery with military honors conducted by the United States Navy and Harrison Honor Guard.