Bruce Red Gardner

Bruce V. “Red” Gardner “beloved husband, brother, and uncle”

LITTLE GENESEE, N.Y.---Bruce V. “Red” Gardner, 81, of Little Genesee, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 27, 2022, in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, N.Y.

Born on Thursday, May 15, 1941 in Wellsville, he was a son of Harold and Alice Brandes Gardner. He was raised by his foster parents, Clifford and Gertrude Mesler. On March 12, 1971 in Franklinville, he married Sue M. Baker, who survives.

Red graduated from Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. He honorably served his country in the US Army in the Military Police, serving in El Paso Texas during the Vietnam War.

He was first employed by Bentley Russell Company in Franklinville operating a bulldozer. He was then an owner-operator over-the-road trucker form many years. Lastly he was the highway superintendent for the Town of Genesee until his retirement.

Red was a member of Odosagih Boneka Electa Chapter #84 OES in Machias. He was a life member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 and was a member of the NRA. He loved farming, haying, and riding his tractor. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He loved animals, especially his many dogs throughout the years.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 51 years; his fur children, Abe and Babe; a brother, Leon Gardner, Sr. of Alma; a foster brother, Stephen Mesler of North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents and foster parents, Red was predeceased by many fur children; and a brother, Louie Gardner.

Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, Pa., where funeral services will follow at 1pm with the Rev. Russell J. Horning, of Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in Bowler Memorial Cemetery, Little Genesee.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord full military honors on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Red’s wife entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Red, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.