John F. Gardiner 19 August 1958 – 10 April 2024
### **John F. Gardiner: A Tribute to a Life Well-Lived**
John Francis Gardiner, born on August 19, 1958, in Hartford, CT, embodied a spirit of humor, passion, and unwavering dedication throughout his remarkable life. On April 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with colon cancer, John departed this world surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
### **A Life of Purpose and Adventure**
From his formative years at South Catholic High School to his enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1976, John embraced life with a sense of purpose and adventure. His military service in Morocco shaped his deep pride in his country and fellow veterans, while his sharp wit and genuine compassion endeared him to all who knew him.
### **A Passion for Work and Creativity**
John’s career as a land surveyor allowed him to explore the scenic landscapes of Connecticut and New England, where he found joy in mentoring the next generation of surveyors. His creative spirit found expression through doodles, comics, and watercolors, capturing the beauty of everyday life and his cherished memories with loved ones.
### **A Heart Full of Love**
John’s love knew no bounds. Whether cheering on the Red Sox, indulging in his children’s music preferences, or supporting their passions, he approached life with boundless enthusiasm and unwavering support. His love for his family, friends, and fellow underdogs was evident in every gesture and conversation.
### **A Lasting Legacy**
John leaves behind his beloved wife, Holly, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and a host of family and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts forever. His legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him.
John Francis Gardiner’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, reminding us to cherish every moment, embrace life’s adventures, and love fiercely. Rest in peace, John—your laughter and love will echo through eternity.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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