James Gardner

James Nathan Gardner, age 76, of Reading, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2018 at the Blaire House of Worcester.

James is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rita; his son, Jonathan; his daughter, Shannon, and her husband, Ryan; and two grandchildren, Landon James and Sadie Grace.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Freda Gardner.

Born in Newton, James, through unshakable grit and ambition, overcame a childhood riddled with obstacles to find success and happiness. After meeting the love of his life in high school sweetheart, Rita Brogan, James would go on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fitchburg State University. After proudly serving his country through his participation in the National Guard, James would make his mark in the insurance world, serving dozens of clients as a dedicated heavy-equipment damage specialist. Whether it was working tirelessly to provide for his family or traveling across the Northeast for his clients, James found true pleasure in helping others.

In his spare time, James loved nothing more than leisurely walking the picturesque beaches of Brewster, Massachusetts, and St. Petersburg, Florida; adoringly watching his two beloved grandchildren grow in front of his eyes; and happily escorting his son, Jonathan, to the Woburn Bowladrome for their weekly father-son outing.

There will be a private ceremony honoring the life of James Gardner.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James Gardner may be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, at www.alzinfo.org.