OCEAN ISLE BEACH — Robert Earl Gardner, 68, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC passed away at his home on Thursday, November 6, 2025, following an extended illness.
Born in Allentown, PA, on November 18, 1956, and was a son of the late Edwin C. Gardner and Colette Achey Ventre.
Bob as he was known, was a retired welder and worked many years in the steel industry. Bob was an avid lover of baseball, and committed most of his early retirement to it. He could recite baseball facts at request and was the number one fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. He was a lover of crime shows, thriller books, and in his youth, enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bob was often requesting photos and updates on his grandchildren and would happily talk about their successes. Often a man of solitude, Bob lived his remaining days with kindness and expressed love for his children.
Surviving are four children, Jennifer S. Gardner-Delp, Robert M. Gardner (Melinda Burrell), Ryan E. Gardner (Courtney), Kristen C. Gardner (Gregory Houtz); a brother, Edwin Gardner, a sister, Barbara Roberts; six beloved grandchildren, Nicholas Delp, Savannah Delp, Wyatt Gardner, Jett Gardner, Emmitt Gardner, Saylor Gardner; one great-grandchild Luca R. Prince-Delp; and lifelong friend Joanne Gardner DiRoma.
To honor his wishes, memorial services will be private.
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