Obituary of George David Gardenier, Jr

George David Gardenier Jr., age 84, of Washington, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025.

Born on January 15, 1941, in Phillipsburg, NJ, George was the son of the late George and Helen (Hartzell) Gardener. He was a proud graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1959, and went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Rockbridge during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

For 37 years, George worked at Ingersoll-Rand in Phillipsburg, as a dedicated employee up until retirement. He was also a faithful member of the Methodist Church in Asbury, NJ.

George shared 43 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Doris R. Gardenier, until her passing in 2006. George was a devoted father, grandfather, and brother, whose greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren who he loved unconditionally and brightened his day. He loved to help anyone who needed it. He always made sure his grandchildren, and their friends made it to work. He made sure it was known if they ever needed a ride to work, school and home he was always there no matter the time of day. He welcomed everyone with open arms, and he had the biggest heart. In his free time, George enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and camper.

George always welcomed everyone with open arms, and he had the biggest heart. He will be missed dearly.

He is survived by his four loving daughters: Patricia Olivera of Washington, NJ; Laura L. Stasyshyn and her husband Kevin of Jefferson, GA; Michelle Gardenier of Washington, NJ; and Kimberly Light and her husband Roger of Rimrock, AZ. Also surviving is Margie Wildrick and Barbara Domin who was like a daughter to him.

George is also survived by five sisters: Shirley Curto of Bethlehem, PA; Donna Freeman of Washington, NJ; Gloria Colville of Easton, PA; Helen Ehouse of Columbus, GA; and Deborah Curto of Belvidere, NJ. He was predeceased by his brother, Gus Gardenier.

A proud grandfather, he leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Constance Dean and her husband John, Jessica Gransky and her husband Jason, Katherine Petrozelli and her husband Anthony; Kevin Jr. Stasyshyn and his wife Randell, Tyler Stasyshyn, and Aaron Stasyshyn and his wife Julia, Robert Light, Kaytlyn Light, and Christina Gallardo and her husband Johnny. His thirteen great-grandchildren: Anna, Jayce, Amelia, Ava, Haden, Aiden, Jaxton, Elliana, George, Jacklynne, Creed, Alesana, and Nakoa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 45 Springfield Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081.

Family and friends are invited to visit with George's family, Monday, June 23, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, located at 142 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ.  A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 12:00 pm. Burial will take place at 1:00 pm at Washington Cemetery, Cemetery Hill Rd., Washington, NJ.