HERKIMER – Mr. David A. Gardner, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away suddenly on October 27, 2015, at Little Falls Hospital, at the age of 87. Born on April 7, 1928, in Fort Worth, Texas, David was the son of the late Robert E. and Florence (Barefield) Gardner. He graduated from Millsap High School. A proud veteran, David served his country as a Private in the United States Army and Air Force. On September 25, 1954, he was wed to the former Dolores M. Fazio at St. Anthony’s Church. Together, the couple shared in a 60 year union, filled with love, laughter, friendship and the gift of family, until Dolores’ passing on July 5, 2013. A hardworking man, Dave was well known within the construction trade as a gifted and honest contractor. For many years, he successfully owned and operated David Gardner Home Improvement in Herkimer. He was a former member of the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. in Herkimer, an organization that he was extremely proud to be a part of. He was a man of honor, integrity, strong work ethic, and most importantly a man dedicated to the well being and upbringing of his family. David’s legacy will be carried on by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his nine children, Andrea and Richard Hyde of Delanson, NY, Rebecca and Bob Rifenburgh of Pompano Beach, FL, Cathleen and Peter Caliguire of Herkimer, David and Audrey Gardner of Chittenango, Connie and Randy Blais of Herkimer, Andrew and Cathleen Gardner of Mohawk, Christopher and Laura Gardner of Manchester, NH, Effie and Tim Donlon of Concord, NH and Jodi and Mike Austin of Aldie, VA; his precious grandchildren, Jarred and Amy Hyde, Jessica and Jeff VanDeven, Anita and Mike Komarny, Sarah Rifenburgh and Dan Butcher, Dierdre Rifenburgh and Justine Abrams, Rob Rifenburgh, Joshua Caliguire, Corban and Ericka Caliguire, Carmi and Joshua Moore, David Christian Gardner, Shania Gardner, Summer Gardner, Dr. Dolores and Dr. Ian Mullikin, Clarinda Blais, Daniel Gardner, Mary Margret Gardner, Julia Gardner, Caroline Gardner, Emma Gardner, Elayna Gardner, Catherine Donlon, Elizabeth Donlon, Emmett Donlon, Ethan Donlon, Gardner Austin, Caleb Austin, Zachary Austin, Luke Austin and Danica Faith Austin; his precious great-grandchildren, Canaan, Brevyn and Emery VanDeven, Lucy Komarny, Miley Butcher, Giacobi David and Paxton Lincoln Moore, Emerson Kicks Hyde, and one more, on his way, – Valor Braun Caliguire. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, JB and Anne Gardner, and his in-laws, Angelo “Bart” and Ruth Fazio, Clarinda Giammaria, Angie Fiorentino and Lucy and Donald Giffune; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Dave was predeceased by his son, Daniel Gerard Gardner, his twin sister, Effie Netti, and several other siblings. Family and friends are invited to attend Dave’s visitation, which will be held on Friday, October 30, 2015, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, (F.K.A. Holleran Funeral Service), 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY, (315) 866-1011. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Dave’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday morning, October 31, 2015, at 10:00AM from the chapel of the Enea Family Funeral Home. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Dolores and his son, Daniel. The Gardner family is being cared for and guided by their family Funeral Directors, Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea. To leave an online note of sympathy, please visit: www.eneafamily.com