Ex-Montclair Fire Chief Dies: Bomber Pilot Had 15 Grandchildren

MONTCLAIR, NJ — John Gardner, a retired, former Montclair Fire Department chief and its “longest-serving member,” passed away last week. He was 97.

Montclair town officials honored Gardner as a grand marshal during the 2012 Independence Day celebration. According to officials:

“John Gardner, Sr. served more than three years as an Air Force bomber pilot during WWII. He went on to serve his country in the reserves for another 28 years before retiring as a lieutenant colonel. John joined the Montclair Fire Department in 1945. He nearly lost his life battling a blaze at Grunnings ice cream parlor, suffering severe smoke inhalation. John went on to serve the Montclair Fire Department for another 44 years and retired as Fire Chief in 1990. Over the years, John was active in many organizations such as the Montclair Knights of Columbus, Red Cross, Catholic Youth Organization, Kiwanis Lions and the Rotary Club. He remains active in the Retired Officers Association and the State Fire Chiefs Association.”

The following obituary comes courtesy of Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home:

“Gardner, John W., 97, a long-time resident of Montclair and Verona, NJ, died June 15th following a brief illness. Predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia and his son Paul K. Gardner. He is survived by his daughter Barbara P. Foran, his sons Steven J., and John W. Jr. and daughters Shelia C. Marshall and Rita T. Gardner. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

“Following graduation from Immaculate Conception High School, Mr. Gardner served in WWII as a bomber pilot and retired from the United States Air Force Reserve as Lieutenant Colonel. He was the longest serving member of the Montclair Fire Department. He was the recipient of many valor awards and retired as Fire Chief.

“Funeral from the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home 76 Park Street Montclair, NJ on Wednesday June 20th at 8:45AM. Then to Saint Theresa of Calcutta Parish, The Immaculate Conception Church Montclair where at 10AM a Mass of Christian burial will be offered. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery East Hanover. Visitation will be on Tuesday June 19th from 4 to 8 PM.

“In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John W. Gardner Scholarship Fund at Immaculate Conception High School, The Montclair FMBA #20 or the Verona Rescue Squad.”

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Photo courtesy of Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home