Richard J. Gardner

Richard J. Gardner, Jr., 75, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk following a brief illness.

He was born on June 24, 1950 in Ridgway, a son of the late Richard J. "Sup" Gardner, Sr. and Loretta P. Luchs Gardner.

Richard was a lifelong resident of the area and graduate of Ridgway High School. He worked at Elcam for many years. In his earlier years, Richard was active in the Spark Club in St. Marys and loved going to the dances on Friday nights with the friends he met there. Richard loved nothing more than a nice cold can of Coca-Cola, a good cowboy western movie, and enjoying a good meal. He could often be found listening to Alabama, which was his favorite band. In his later years, he attended the adult day services center, where he made many friends and enjoyed all of the activities they had to offer.

He is survived by four siblings; John (Rita) Gardner of Ridgway, Melissa (Bob) Samick of Brockport, Diane (Albert) Dippold of St. Marys, and Debbie Radley of Dunn, NC, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his sister; Roxanne Stahli, two nephews; Eric Gardner and Justin Santanna, and by a niece; Dolly Dush.

A Memorial Service for Richard J. Gardner will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Elk Baptist Church, 191 Ford Road, St. Marys, PA with Pastor Biran Sheldon officiating.

Family and friends will be received at the Elk Baptist Church on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 12:00 PM until the time of the service.

Burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ridgway Animal Haven.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com