Howard Franklin Gardner Jr. of Stevensville passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 62.
Howard loved being a part of the fire departments in his community. He was a member of the Kent Island VFD and, most recently, United Communities VFD. He was always training and loved just being at the firehouse. He also enjoyed going to the slots every Wednesday with his mom and dad. He was a winner every week in his book. NASCAR and football were some of his other favorites. His favorite football team was always whoever won the Super Bowl. He loved his money and betting with you. If you bet him and he won, you’d better pay up, but if he lost he wouldn’t pay you. He loved the family parties each year at Aunt Shirley’s house. He was the life of every party. Howard loved to dance. He would stay on the dance floor all night long, dancing with all the girls. He absolutely loved his niece and nephews with all his heart. He had a special bond with each of them. The movies were something he enjoyed going to with his favorite Uncle Billy, whom he loved so much. His Aunt Carolyn was also a huge part of his life, especially during the past couple of years. He loved her dearly.