John Albert Gardner, Sr. “Johnny,” was born on July 4,1949 in Easton, Maryland, one of ten children born to Raymond and Alice Gardner. There he grew up until his family moved to Poolesville, Maryland and attended Poolesville Jr./Sr. High School, graduating in the year 1967. There he met his future wife Emily Weedon. After graduation, Johnny was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served his country honorably from 1969-1972.
Following his military service, he became very involved in his community by assisting with the Sunday School at St. Paul Community Church in Poolesville, MD. Johnny worked for a number of companies, but settled into his final career as a para-educator for Montgomery County Public Schools, which he would retired from in 2011. Johnny was always a role model and mentor for many children in the community. He was one of the original coaches for the JMH Firebirds track club, worked withe Mark Twain Satellite program at Walt Whitman High School and after retirement returned to Gaithersburg High School (where he once worked as a security guard in the 1970’s) as a substitute teacher from 2016-2018. He helped motivate and encouraged many children, teens, and even adults.
Johnny is survived by Emily Gardner and his children Troy Gradner, John Gradner, Jr., and Kimberly Moore (son-in-law Graham), and his granddaughter Mikayla Moore.
A celebration of life will be held on May 10, 2025 from 11:30am-2:30pm at Meadowbrook Park Activity Building, 7901 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Light Refreshments will be served.
Celebration of Life
Saturday, May 10, 2025
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Meadowbrook Park Activity Building
7901 Meadowbrook Lane
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
From: Tony and Michael Jones
Emily, Troy, John Jr., and Kimberly we send our deepest condolences for your loss. May God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time.
From: William Cook
Condolences to the family may God give you strength and comfort in your hour of bereavement
From: The Ellis Family
Our heartfelt condolences are sent to the Gardner Family. May God continue to strengthen and provide you with peace during this time of sadness.
From: Sherri Gingrich
John and I worked together at Walt Whitman. He was my paraeducator in Earth Space Systems, Environmental Science, and sometimes Biology. He was so easy going but could lay down the law. I often saw him at the Montgomery County Fair (we have a farm and my kids entered livestock and home goods). The last time I saw him was at the Flower Hill Giant - it was so good to see him and get caught up. Every time I stop in to that Giant I continued to look for him. He was a strong, amazing, compassionate man. Sending hugs and prayers to everyone. Hoping to make it to the memorial service. Best, Sherri Gingrich
From: Royal Tyler ( Tony Tyler)
John Jr and Family You Have My Deepest Sympathy and Condolences. I Pray to Ask God To be a Fence of Protection around The Family and His Hand to Heal all Your Emotional Distress. John Sr has Completed all his Courses here in Life now God has given Him his Wings of Graduation now he's walking in the Halls at the University Of Heaven Majoring in Angelism he has the Best Professor in Jesus giving him his Degree Amen. My Best Regards to John Jr a Good Friend Amen
From: Angela Cook
My deepest condolences to the Gardner family. I worked with John at WWHS. He was the kindest gentleman with a special way with the students. I pray that God wraps you in his peace and comfort during this sad time.
From: Glenn Graham
Emily, Troy, John Jr. and Kimberly. I'm sorry to hear about Big John's passing. I pray that God brings you peace, comfort and understanding during your time of sorry. May God Bless you all.
From: The Hilton Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.