Richard (Dick) W. Gardner, 86, of Reading, PA went home to be with his Lord on September 17th. Born in Blandon, PA, he was a son of Ralph R. Gardner, Sr. and Mabelle F. (Miller) Gardner, and brother to Ralph R. Gardner, Jr.

Dick graduated from Reading High School in 1950, and served in the United States Navy from 1952-1956 as a Guided Missileman, 1st Class, serving on the USS Helena in the Pacific Fleet during the Korean conflict. He then entered into the family business, Gardner’s TV & Appliances, with his father and brother, and stayed until 1992. After semi-retiring to Florida, Dick worked for the Walt Disney World Resort in the Art of Disney store, where his claim to fame was serving Michael Jackson many times.

Dick was predeceased by his beloved first wife, Sara Ellen (Fox) Gardner, and his loving second wife, Barbara A. (Tolbert, Whitehead) Gardner. He is survived by his two sons: David L. (Gay) Gardner of Salem, MA and Peter B. (Traci) Gardner of Reading, PA; five daughters: Shelley A. (George) Kalfas of Valrico, FL; Linda M. (Gary) Kaiser of San Francisco, CA; Amy G. (Terrence) Adriaansen of Apopka, FL; Kimberly Gardner of Reading, PA; and Julie A. (Dale) Tryon of Reading, PA.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, all of whom he was so very proud of: Denise M. (Joshua) Scheinberg, Phoenixville, PA; Matthew R. (Meredith) Gardner, Jupiter, FL; Christopher S. (Paula) Gardner, Ypsilanti, MI; Andrew K. Kaiser, Redwood City, CA; and Meryl J. Kaiser, San Jose, CA.

Dick had a contagious smile that was adored by all. His photography skills were enjoyed by many throughout the years. Most recently he attended CrossWay Church in Mohnton, PA and was also a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Orlando, FL.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 6th at 11:00 am at CrossWay Church, 85 Chateau Drive, Mohnton, PA 19540. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salem Lutheran Church, 7900 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 in Dick’s memory. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.