David R. Gardner

David Robert Gardner, 39, of Syracuse, NY passed away Sunday January 26, 2025 at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI to parents Edward and Cristi Gardner and grew up in Cicero, NY where he was a 2004 graduate of Cicero North Syracuse High School. After high school David felt the calling to serve in the military and enlisted in the US Army where he was stationed at Fort Drum (Watertown, NY). He deployed four times; twice each to Iraq and Afghanistan and was preparing to retire as a decorated E7 Sergeant First Class. He received such awards as the Global War on Terrorism Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, as well as Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award, and the Army Commendation Medal, among others. He was an expert marksman and completed training through the Air Assault Course, Light Fighters School, and the Warrior Leaders Course. There were a few breaks in service for David, so he could pursue additional educational opportunities at SUNY Oswego, and he later became active with the Army National Guard. David had many talents from his athleticism on the baseball field, to his well-known spontaneous song and dance. But he is loved and remembered as a cherished friend who was always there if you needed a shoulder to lean on, someone to talk to, or a helping hand. But mostly, David was a dedicated father to three amazing children who he shared his love for music and life with. With him the kids loved visits to the park, dance parties, “flick-nics” (Netflix picnics) and breakfasts at IHOP. They share his goofy, easy-going nature and saw him as their own Captain America. He was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Dean and Cheryl McElwain, paternal grandfather, Herbert Gardner and his dogs, Buck and Callie. David is survived by his wife, Erika Paschal, their son, Easton Gardner and dog Harper; his former spouse, Jody (Fredenburg) Gardner and their children, Zoe and Gavin Gardner; his parents, Edward and Cristi Gardner; paternal grandmother, Margaret Gardner; siblings, Sabrina Casey, Lucas Janzen, Angela Gardner and Deanna Gardner; nieces and nephews, as well as many extended family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A funeral service in celebration of David’s life will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 10:00 am at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME. Private burial will be in North Syracuse Cemetery. The family requests that those who loved David join them after at Harvey’s Garden on East Water Street at 2:00 pm to continue to share memories and laughs. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the Syracuse VA Hospital in memory of David to help those who have served. For those around the world who cannot join us in person today, an additional celebration of life will be planned this summer, date to be determined.

David R. Gardner

September 23, 1985 - January 26, 2025