Edward Gardner, Sr.

Edward L. Gardner, Sr., passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, February 13, 2021, with his family at his side.

Ed began his life in North Linthicum, Md., born on March 31, 1937, to Arthur Raymond Gardner and Charlotte Belle Gardner (nee Ausherman). He was later joined by his three sisters, Charlotte, Anna and Goldie. Ed had a special relationship with his grandmother, Mamie, and enjoyed her company and her cooking - particularly her apple pie - well into his adult years.

At the age of 16, Ed met the love of his life, Margaret Ann Forsythe (known to all as Peggy), and married her two years later on December 25, 1955. They would go on to celebrate 65 years of marriage that included moves to Baton Rouge, La.; Glen Burnie, Md.; Ocean Pines, Md.; and most recently Severna Park, Md.

Once he graduated in 1955 from Baltimore Polytechnic, he went on to become Airman First Class in the Air Force, from which he was honorably discharged. He then went on to work in the electrical supply industry for more than 40 years, before retiring as a general manager from Commerce Electric in 2001.

In 1987 Ed was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church and was well-suited for it. Devout in his faith, a good listener, and an excellent public speaker, Ed touched the lives of many and ministered to the sick and the dying for more than 35 years. His family was blessed to have him officiate the weddings of his son and his grandchildren, and to baptize several of his great grandchildren.

Always ready to enjoy a hot dog in the bleachers on a sunny day, Ed loved watching sports, particularly the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens. He and Peggy also enjoyed traveling, and got to explore places like Hawaii, Ireland and Italy, and enjoyed many trips to Walt Disney World with their family.

Ed lived a full, accomplished life, but he was proudest of the close, loving family he and Peggy built together. In addition to Peggy and his sisters, Ed is survived by his sons, Edward Jr. (Valerie), Thomas (Diana), Mark Sr. (Dawn) and Scott (Mary Beth). “Pop” is also survived by his grandchildren, Meaghan, Amy, Mark Jr., Heather, Christopher, Nicholas, Rebecca, Joshua, Caroline and Adam, in addition to his 11 great grandchildren. He will be remembered by all of them for his enduring sense of humor, his unique laugh, the strength of his faith, and the strength of his spirit as he fought hard against health issues in his later years.

Funeral Services will be private. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of the flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Perelman Cancer Research Center at :

https://giving.aws.cloud.upenn.edu/fund?program=MED&fund=342122&appeal=PMWEB

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid upon me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that day.” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8