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Gardner Smith left this world peacefully on November 19, 2025, with his wife and sons by his side. Born in Carbondale, PA to the late Cyril and Jean (McDonald) Smith, he earned the childhood nickname “King of Eighth Avenue” for visiting every neighbor – often unannounced – and usually leaving with a cookie.

Gardner attended St. Rose elementary and high school, where he helped establish the baseball and golf teams. Throughout high school and college, he worked at the Globe Store in both the men’s department and as an assistant buyer in housewares. A devoted Mopar fan, Gardner proudly drove his Dodge Chargers through Carbondale in true American Graffiti style. His younger years were filled with memorable nights at Tippers, Papa Joe’s, and The Galaxy.

Gardner enjoyed decades of softball in Carbondale, Scranton, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. He was a longtime coach, manager, and board member for Central Springfield VA Little League (#2 in the nation in 1994) and Springfield Babe Ruth League. With Ellen, he traveled widely to support their sons, Colin and Kyle, through American Legion, AAU, and Lynchburg College baseball. He cheered for both the Yankees and the Nationals.

A graduate of the University of Scranton (Political Science) and Penn State (Public Administration), Gardner began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in Scranton and later held several positions at USPS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. After moving to Mechanicsburg, PA in 2016, he enjoyed retirement filled with golf, billiards, bocce, travel, and many new friendships. He cherished reunions with the St. Rose Class of 1970 and will be remembered for his quick wit and deep loyalty.

This past year, Gardner showed extraordinary strength as he faced stage IV renal cancer, bravely undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering. His determination was nothing short of heroic, and his family is forever grateful for his unwavering fight.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ellen (Brennan); sons Colin (Heather) of Ashburn, VA and Kyle (Marisa) of Branchburg, NJ; grandchildren Elliot, Nora, and twins Layne and Riley; his sister Peggy Jean Smith Buonomo (Joseph) of Carbondale; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 1st at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Rose of Lima Church, 6 N. Church St., Carbondale.    In lieu of flowers, rev your engines, play your favorite ’60s song on repeat, enjoy a Diet Coke, and consider a donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering in his memory.

Arrangements are by the Joseph W. Scotchlas Funeral Home, Inc., Simpson. Condolences:www.scotchlasfuneralhome.com