Obituary
Rushville- William M. “Bill” Gardner, age 74, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2023.
Friends may call Saturday (August 12th) from 10 to Noon at the Middlesex United Methodist Church, followed by a Memorial Service at 12 Noon. A Reception and Celebration of Bill’s Life will follow at the Middlesex Fire House.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rushville Hose Co., P.O. Box 51, Rushville, NY 14544; the Middlesex Hose Co., P.O. Box 145, Middlesex, NY 14507; or the Middlesex United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 116, Middlesex, NY 14507.
Bill was born Nov. 26, 1948, the son of the late Darwin J. Ost and Velma J. Gardner. He graduated from Middlesex Valley Central School in 1967. Bill married Virginia Jenkins on April 7, 1970.
Bill retired as Head Custodian of Marcus Whitman Central School after 35 years of service. Always working, Bill had worked for Ralph Martin Tires, Jason Kipp & Sons Siding, the Kenneth J. Perkins Funeral Home, and most recently the Young Lions Brewery in Canandaigua.
While at Whitman, Bill was the assistant coach for the Girls’ Basketball Team, under Jim Tuck. He was also an assistant coach for the Color Guard.
Bill was very outgoing and made friends everywhere he went. Always serving his “community”, he was a member of the Rushville Lions Club and of both the Rushville and Middlesex Fire Companies. Bill also enjoyed playing Santa’s helper, with his natural white hair and beard.
Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, “Ginny”; son, Andrew (Tammy) Gardner, son, Matthew (Sandy) Gardner, and daughter, Paula Gardner; seven grandchildren, Dylan (Alexis), Alex, Hannah, Noelle, Nicole, Cam and Carson Gardner; three great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Sophia and Nova Heitmann; four brothers, Darrel (Donna) Ost, Howard (Joanne) Ost, Jack Gardner and Gary (Cindy) Ost.
He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Morgan “Bill” (Bonnie) Jenkins III, Paul (Michele) Jenkins, Gwen Martone, Scott (Eileen Hannan) Jenkins, Steven Jenkins, Richard (Kathy) Rivenburgh , Tim Rivenburgh, Dennis Cleveland and Carla Jenkins; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Darwin J. Ost and Velma J. Gardner; three sisters, Alice Wild, Janet Cleveland and Rosetta Ost; and brother-in-law, Thomas Jenkins.
Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome to send a condolence to Bill’s family.
Services
Visitation
Middlesex United Methodist Church
Middlesex, NY 14507
Memorial Service
Middlesex United Methodist Church
Middlesex, NY 14507
Reception following Church Service
Middlesex Hose, Water St. (Rte. 364) Middlesex, NY
Water Street, Middlesex
Condolences
Elizabeth Pierre from Rushville ny on Jul. 28, 2023
Our sincere condolences go out to the Gardner Family ??
Deanne McLellan-Tuck from Geneva NY on Jul. 28, 2023
Billy was the best man, father, and grandfather I have ever known. He has left his mark with everyone who has had the opportunity to meet him. I know Jim is so happy too see him in heaven????
Stephanie Barber(Crowe) from Gorham, New York on Jul. 28, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss, he was truly a great man. I will forever remember seeing him in the halls at school, helping coach the girls basketball team, and helping Brady at the girls softball games, and cheering on the girls soccer team with him and my dad. I’m sure they will continue cheering from up there. I send love and prayers to his family.
Karen and Paul Lahue from Canandaigua, NY on Jul. 30, 2023
We have so many fond memories of Billy. He was an amazing colleague and a good friend. Family meant everything to Billy. We will miss him. Sending love and strength to the entire family.
Pamela Speers from Canandaigua on Jul. 31, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a very special person always there to help anyone he could. May peace and prayers be with you all.
Dave Le Clair from Rushville on Aug. 1, 2023
I will miss Bill. He was a good friend and has a good soul, and projected dignity in everything he did until the end. Miss you buddy!
Donna Gentry from New Kent VA on Aug. 18, 2023
We were so upset to hear of Billys passing. We know how much you loved each other. May all those times comfort you. We always loved seeing you guys. Billy was truly a blessing he will be missed sending prayers and comfort.