W. Warren Gardner

Warren Gardner, 77, of McKeesport, formerly of Irwin, died suddenly at home Wednesday March 19, 2014. He was born March 18, 1937 in Greensburg, a son of the late William Warren and Louise J. (Swanson) Gardner. Warren was a retired Biology teacher at Norwin High School and was always proud of being a teacher in the Norwin School District. He was a graduate of Irwin High School, Class of 1955, where he was a member of the state championship basketball team. He was a graduate of Westminster College where he was a member of the basketball team and the college alumni association. Warren was a person who loved and appreciated nature. He was instrumental in starting and then became the leader of the local beautification project through the Norwin Chamber of Commerce and could be seen planting trimming and beautifying traffic islands and other areas around the Norwin area. He also established and maintained a butterfly garden at the Norwin Public Library, conducted nature walks at Braddock Trail Park, and was an avid outdoor photographer and bird watcher. He was a member of the local and national Audubon Society and the Irwin Garden Club. He was inducted into the Norwin Athletic Hall of Fame for his playing and coaching in the Norwin School District and was an avid Steelers fan and season ticket holder. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 38 years Carol L. (Hickman) Gardner in 2008. He is the beloved father of Marcie Patchel of White Oak, Eric (Heather) Gardner of North Huntingdon, and David Gardner of Pittsburgh; loving grandfather of Ryan and Abby Patchel and Gray and Graham Gardner; cherished brother of J. Curt (Pat) Gardner of North Huntingdon and Karen (Thomas) Godlewski of Greensburg; also nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main Street, Irwin, 724-863-1200, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday with Dr. Ronald H. Wakeman, officiating. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made in Warren’s name to the Norwin Public Library, butterfly garden fund, 100 Caruthers Lane, Irwin, PA 15642.

W. Warren Gardner

March 18, 1937 - March 19, 2014