Ronald Gardner, age 88, of Largo, Florida, passed away on August 26, 2025. Born in Joliet, Illinois, Ron proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines from 1955 to 1959.
A skilled builder and dedicated family man, Ron was the beloved husband of Jan for 38 years. Together, they shared a love affair unlike any other.
He was predeceased by his son Brian and daughter Catherine. He is survived by two children, eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
A service with military honors will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery on September 15 at 2:30 p.m.
The family kindly asks that no floral arrangements be sent and instead encourages you to keep Ron’s memory alive.
Ron was a wonderful man who was devoted to Jan and his entire family. Through the years we have had lots of fun and worked on community projects together. Our prayers are with Jan and the family that they find comfort in the great memories throughout the years.
Ron was a very dear man who made everyone smile. I knew him as a devoted husband and friend. I will always be grateful to share a Cuban coffee with him and a good game of Gin Rummy. May you rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. Many prayers sent your way. Hugs
Uncle Ron; I just need one more, one more phone call, one more text, one more atta girl, one more golf lesson, one more hockey story, one more you can do it, one more well who cares – did you try your best, one more lets go – times short, one more hey you got a minute lets talk, one more hug, one more, well …. I just need one more. I miss you Uncle Ron, tell my mom, dad, grandma and and gramps, Bri, Cath and every one hi and give the biggest damn hug from me. This hurts. I love you.
Ron was a wonderful man and friend. We were so blest to have our paths cross in this life journey.We will miss him dearly.Ron and Jan had a beautiful love connection.
That will never end. I’m praying that the strength of that love will see Jan through this difficult time. With deepest sympathy and love. Nancy & Gene Bates
Oh My Dearest Jan, I’m so very very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. You know how many wonderful memories we share and how much I love you both. Wish I was there to comfort you please know you are in my prayers and my door and guestroom is always open for a visit when you are ready and need the hugs.
Love & prayers,
Deborah
❌⭕️🙏
Ron and I started out as a business relationship in about 1975 which turned into a wonderful friendship visiting each other here in Michigan. When you went to Florida we carried on our great friendship. What I remember most about Ron he was very calm, pleasant and nice to be around.
Ron was a great guy and I was privileged to call him a friend. He was always there if you needed help. Jan was the love of his life and he was very grateful to have her. You will be missed brother Semper Fi!
The world has lost a great man . Our deepest sympathies to Jan and and all the family and our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this tough time
We have known Ron and Jan for 15 years and we couldn’t have asked for better friends. Our favourite times were when we were out the door and in the door
Ron was always ready to help with any task
Ron you will be missed by many. May you rest in peace !🙏❤️
Uncle Ron was always so kind and generous. I have many fond memories from when I was little, snuggling on his lap while all the grownups talked. I will miss him greatly.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Times spent with Ron and Jan cruising the Great Lakes of Michigan will never be forgotten. We shared such wonderful times and created great memories!
So sorry for your loss. We send our love & prayers.
Rest in peace, Uncle Ron 💜. Thank you for loving Aunt Janet with your whole heart, for all of us to share in your joy together. Love and kindness forever.
Uncle Ron will be greatly missed. His kindness, affection, and quiet strength were an example for us growing up. We are grateful that our daughters had the opportunity to spend time with him and see how much he loved our Aunt Janet first hand. Sending hugs and love always.
Jan,
I heard about Ron’s passing last week and it made me really sad. You and Ron were always so kind to me, something I never forgot.
I had the utmost respect for Ron and will cherish the many memories I have of you and the Gardner family!
Tom
I remember Uncle Ron always smiling and laughing. He was such a loving and caring person. We will forever keep him in our hearts and thoughts.
Ronaldo! Safe travels on this next spirit journey. You were widely loved and left behind a part of that love for Jan so she can bear your loss.
Ron from one vet to another thank you so much for your sacrifice for our country. I’m a better person for knowing you. We will all be there for Jan and look out for her until she meets up with you again in God’s kingdom.
Uncle Ron was a great uncle. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a great guy who will be missed terribly. Much love and prayers at this time of loss. Hold on to the memories now and forecer
Ron really was such a special man. He was someone who truly cherished family and friends, served and loved his country well, and deeply treasured my sister Jan. Our family was able to share such wonderful times with both of them; from tooling around on their boat in Michigan to watching the sunset together on the beach in Largo. Ron will forever be a part of my heart.
Uncle Ron was an exceptional person. He had a great sense of humor, an infectious smile, and was so easy to talk to. He loved his friends and family, and his adoration for Aunt Jan showed every day.
We will always treasure our memories together, and he holds a special place in our hearts.
Thank you, Uncle Ron. We love you.
Although we did not know Ron and Jan very well the time we did get to spend with them in Florida was short and sweet Ron was always a busy and hard worker from what we could see always willing to help someone out he will be missed by us when we are in Florida condolences to Jan and family love Richard and Joanne