Henry F. Gardner

Wellsville, NY - Henry F. Gardner, 83, of 51 Breckenridge Avenue and a former long time resident of Grand Island; went to his heavenly home on Friday, July 3, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 15, 1926 in Buffalo, the son of Frank and Mary (Pavelska) Gardner.

Henry was a graduate of Stella Niagara High School in Lewiston, NY. He was a musician and enjoyed playing the drums with several bands; before he was called to serve his country. He met the former Valentina Scholokoff in Japan during WW II and they were married on November 24, 1946; while Henry was serving with the U. S. Army’s 158th Regimental Combat Team “The Bushmasters” in the Pacific Theater of Operation. He was employed for many years as an operational engineer and heavy equipment operator for the Town of Grand Island. He also owned and operated Island Disposal Service on GrandIsland. He was a former active member of the VFW Post 9249 on Grand Island and the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club. He was a member and Chaplain for the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion in Wellsville and the VFW Post 2721 in Cuba. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 62 years; is one son, John (Dorothy) Gardner of Grand Island, two daughters, Suzanna (Fred) Hoefler of Lawrenceville, GA and Vera (Rodney) Hollowbush of Ulysses, PA, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one brother, Don (Sue Ann) Gardner of Grand Island and several nieces & one nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 7th at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial, with full military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include Home Care & Hospice or the Morrison-Hayes Post 702 American Legion.