Michael Louis Gardner, Sr.

Our beloved Father Michael Louis Gardner Sr., 66, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at home on March 6th 2023. He is survived by his wife Theresa Gardner, daughter Patrice Michelle Hermann, son Michael Louis Gardner Jr., his three grandchildren, Michael Louis Gardner III, Demi Michelle Gardner and Charlotte Daisy Hermann along with his sister Dee Gardner and brother Vincent Gardner. He also leaves behind a son-in-law, Charles C. Hermann and a host of nieces and nephews. Michael was born on September 23rd, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Anthony and Frances Gardner. Upon the divorce of his parents he was later raised by his mother and stepfather Frances and Giles Peaks. He was a sensitive and caring child that had a natural inclination towards engineering and math. He showed early on that he was destined to be a leader with a huge heart that had room for everyone. He entered the Army in 1973 at the age of 17 and was stationed in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. He was incredibly proud of being a veteran and would tell anyone that listened about his time in the army. He was always quick to tell his children or anyone for that matter that, “I was a Vietnam vet!” He met his wife Theresa when he was 26 and she was 22. From then on, he would continue to love her through friendship and marriage until his final day. Their union created two children that he would love fiercely. He would guide them through their challenges and celebrate their triumphs from childhood to adulthood. Michael loved politics. He was a natural philosopher that could hold his own in any debate. Even when you were right…he was right. He had great taste in music and enjoyed jazz titans such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis, but his favorite was Al Jarreau. He loved to share his favorite music artists with his children and was so proud when they added those artists to their personal playlists. He had a great sense of humor and could make anyone laugh without really trying. He was the king of catchphrases that became famous even among his children’s friends with favorites like “buddies to the end”, or “that’s deep!” Michael made an impact on so many lives through his kindness and desire to make things better. He wasn’t the block captain, but he gave out free breakfasts and lunches to families in the neighborhood that needed them. He ran a summer camp called “Arts and Crafts” that gave neighborhood kids an opportunity to swim and go on trips to amusement parks. The children would go through their neighborhood marching behind him single file singing “Mama, mama, can’t you see? Arts and Crafts is good for me!” He coached a basketball team named “Mike’s Bulls” and he was an exemplary model of a God-fearing man during his time as a member of Christian Stronghold Baptist Church. He truly was a mighty man and loved God. Michael Louis Gardner Sr. was a complex and beautiful soul that touched more lives than he realized. He may not be with us in physical form anymore but his legacy is truly eternal

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Louis Gardner, Sr., please visit our floral store.