CUSHING — Richard H. Gardner, 94, died at Pen Bay Medical Center on March 28, 2020. He was born November 22, 1925 in Hanover, Massachusetts, to Harold Curtis Gardner and Sarah Eliza Curtis Gardner.

Richard grew up in Hanover, Massachusetts and attended local schools. He attended the University of Maine in the forestry program before serving as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army during WWII. After WWII, Richard went back to the University of Maine and graduated with an engineering degree.

He worked as a mechanical engineer beginning his career in Cleveland, Ohio at Cleveland Detroit Diesel. He moved to Connecticut to join Pratt & Whitney then was moved to Florida to work on the ignition systems for the Apollo missions. After Apollo, he was moved back to Connecticut where he finished his long career with Pratt & Whitney retiring in 1980.

In 1983 he and his wife moved to Maine eventually settling in Cushing. Richard and his wife were active in the town of Cushing. He served as a selectman, volunteer firefighter, and plowed the town roads for many years. He had his lobster license, and enjoyed going out on the water with many of his friends.

He is predeceased by his wife, Norma Maxine Gardner, former town clerk of Cushing who died in 2010.

He is survived by his son, Robert C. Gardner of Haddam, Connecticut; daughter, Cynthia Gardner of Norwalk,Connecticut; and grandchildren, Richard D. Gardner and Ashley Gardner of Haddam,Connecticut.

A service to celebrate Richard’s life will be held at the convenience  of the family as it was Richards wish that he be buried alongside his parents in Hanover Center Cemetery, in Hanover, Massachusetts.

Condolences may be shared with the family of Richard’s book of memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral and Cremation Services, 78 Main Street, Thomaston, Maine 04861.