HOLYOKE-John "Jack" Gardner, 82, formerly of Bernardston and Turners Falls died Tuesday June 12, 2012 at the Soldiers' Home of Holyoke.

Jack was born in Greenfield, MA on March 23, 1930 the son of Raymond and Katherine (Kirkwood) Gardner.

Jack attended local schools and was a 1948 graduate of Greenfield High School. He was a Korean War veteran, having served in the US Army and received an honorable discharge April 10, 1953. He worked for Lunt Silversmith's for over 30 years as a die cutter retiring in 1990.

Jack enjoyed playing golf, he was the first club champion at Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club in 1958 and a six time club champion at Oak Ridge Golf Course in Gill. He had two hole-in- ones to his credit. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing, trout fishing, hunting, gardening, and playing bingo with his friends at the Soldiers' Home.

Jack is survived by a son and daughter in-law Bob and June Gardner of Florence,MA., a daughter and son in-law Denise and Ed Condon of Waterford,NY., a sister Frances Hosley of Orange, three grandchildren, Kelly Pitcher and her husband Brad, Scott and Kate Gardner, a great granddaughter Annabelle Pitcher and also several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years the former Theresa Chagnon in 2006, two sisters Betty Pratt and Catherine Kerswig and a brother Richard.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke and Hospice Services of Western Massachusetts for their support and loving care.

At Jack's request, there will be no calling hours and all services will be private, with the burial at the convenience of the family in the family lot in Turners Falls.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home in Turners Falls.