William Mark Gardner

     Mr. William Mark Gardner, 70, a resident of Wilkes-Barre's North End neighborhood, passed into Eternal Life Saturday, the morning of December 5th, in the comfort of his residence, with his family at his side, following a recent illness.

     Born February 25, 1950 in Wilkes-Barre, he was one of five children to John Nemetz of Moosic and the late Joan Nemetz.  Educated in the Scranton area schools, he was a member of the 1968 graduating class of the Scranton Technical High School.

     As a young man, Mr. Gardner entered military service with the United States Navy, serving as a Seabee in construction during the Viet Nam War.  His patriotic commitment to duty garnered him several citations and medals at the time of his honorable discharge on July 7, 1972.  He was an unsung hero of the war, selflessly carrying his own battle scars until the day he passed.

    Following his return stateside and settling in the Wyoming Valley; he furthered his education by receiving his diploma from the West Side Vocational-Technical School, Pringle with focus on his career as a master electrician.

     He began his electrical career with the Lion Brewery of Wilkes-Barre before becoming his own boss, working many jobs throughout the region.

     Besides his mother, Joan, William was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Dorothy “Glanchy” Landmesser and a brother, Daniel P. Gardner.

     Left to celebrate the memories they hold of him are his sons, of whom he was so proud, Marc W. Gardner of Taylor and William J. Gardner of Wilkes-Barre;  His former wife and caregiver, Mary Ann Mecca of Wilkes-Barre;  Step-father, John Nemetz of Moosic; Brother and sisters including Laureen Naylor and her husband Daniel of Factoryville, John Nemetz Jr. and his wife Victoria of Benton, Kathleen Shepherd and her husband Randy of Larksville; Sister-in-law, Diana Gardner of Scranton; Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends.

     Bill’s family would like to gratefully acknowledge the professional care and comfort given to him and the family by Compassus Care Hospice and Griswold Home Care, especially in his final days.

     Funeral services for William will be held privately and at the convenience of his family from the North Wilkes-Barre location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 625 North Main Street.  There will be no formal visitation at this time.  A celebration of Bill's life will be announced in the future when it is deemed safe to congregate once again.

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