Obituary of Ronald D. Gardner

It was a game of all games… 9 innings – better known as "70 years." The stadium lights faded when Ron Gardner passed away on May 23, 2025. Let's share a replay of the highlights of "the baseball game of a lifetime." Inning 1 began on October 2, 1954 when Helen and Claude Gardner of Salem County, NJ, welcomed their son Ron. During inning 2, Ron would grow up in Pennsville, NJ with his brother Claude, attend grade school, learn his "ABC's and 123's," along with respect and dignity, which he showed to each individual he met over the period of the game. Inning 3 was the time in which Ron became known as "Ronnie" and met the love of his life, Patti Light. The couple dated while Ronnie would smash homeruns out of the park, and Patti cheered him on every season. This inning was one of particularly important milestones including graduating PMHS in 1972 and Rowan University (Glassboro State College) in 1976. Onto the 4th inning, around 1981, Ron married Pat. In the 5th inning, in 1986, Ron and Pat welcomed their only "little leaguer" Molly. The 5th inning included Ron attending school Halloween parades, The Lutheran Church of St. Ambrose, going to his beloved Jersey Shore, listening to classic rock music, and spending time with loved ones. During innings 6 and 7, Ron worked hard to build the life every baseball player dreamed of. He opened his own consulting business in 1995 (Gardner Training Resources) and continued to make a difference in others' lives by providing uplifting seminars, including those at schools and colleges. Unfortunately, after the "7th inning stretch" at the top of the 8th inning, Ron suffered a severe stroke and had to be placed on the disabled or "injured" list. However, he did not let that stop him from his desire to be put back in the game. He was certainly welcomed back to the game by all fans as soon as he recovered from the stroke. With a standing ovation return to the filed, Ron continued with many more seminars, and became a published author of his inspirational book "Take Brave Steps." Now we arrived to the 9th inning. The final inning of Ron's life. Pat loves her "1st baseman" with all her heart, and was a devoted and loving wife until Ron's game was over. Ron's final inning was the most difficult and challenging. He endured curveballs, fly balls, knuckleballs, changeups, fastballs, cutters, and splitters. Throughout all that, Ron still said, "Put me in coach, I'm ready to play!" Although Ron had so many strikeouts during this game of life, he never gave up. He fought hard like our "Fightin' Phills" until the game was over. Please join us on Friday, May 30th at 11 am at The Lutheran Church of St. Ambrose (443 S Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070) as we celebrate the "extra innings" of Ron's life.