Theodore “Ted “ L. Gardner

East Machias

Theodore “Ted” Leigh Gardner , 41, died unexpectedly Sept. 2, 2015 in Rochester, NH. He was born Oct. 8, 1973 in Machias the son of Robert and Bernice (Pineo) Gardner. He graduated from Washington Academy in 1991 , and attended the University of Maine in Machias . He was employed as a freight broker with J.R. Truckin' Inc. of Apple Valley, California , where he was a very valued and highly regarded employee .
Ted lived his life on his own terms , and his life choices took him from Maine to California and back to New Hampshire, where he found happiness and planned to make his home . He enjoyed meeting new people in his travels, and made many close friends who became his extended family. A gentle giant of a man, he was happiest when he was putting smiles on the faces of his family and friends. His hearty laugh was contagious ; his positive attitude and words could lift low spirits and lighten dark moods . He enjoyed camping , fishing , and attending concerts with friends. His favorite times were spent with friends and family no matter the occasion. Ted was a very loving and giving man whose presence was welcomed everywhere he went and whose absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
He was predeceased by his mother , a brother Michael , maternal grandparents Fred and Shirley Pineo , and paternal grandparents Wesley and Corice Gardner .
He is survived by his father , a sister Donna-Jean Metta and her husband Samuel of Whiting , and a brother Jonathan and his fiancee Milagro Rivera of Boston, MA ; Nieces and nephews – David Rhodes of Palm Harbor , FL , Michelle Rhodes of Machias , Danielle Metta of Princeton, Natalie Bergonzi of Machias , Samantha Lippincott of Lagrange , Samuel Metta III of Whiting , Melanie Gardner of Howland , and Nathan Gardner of Canton , GA ; 16 great nieces and nephews ; numerous aunts , uncles , and cousins, very special friends Mario and Jeannine Scollo (his other brother and sister ) and many more friends too numerous to list by name .
A Celebration of Life Graveside service will be held 1 pm Saturday September 19, 2015 at the East Machias Village Cemetery with Pastor William Holmes officiating, with a gathering for family and friends at the Elm Street School immediately following. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com

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