WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Charles "Chuck" E. Gardner Sr., 82, a lifelong resident of Williamstown, died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at Berkshire Medical Center.



He was born in Williamstown on August 10, 1933, a son of the late Sidney and Ethel (Schaffner) Gardner. He attended school in Williamstown. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He was employed at the former A&P supermarkets in Williamstown and North Adams and later was owner and operator of a private distribution company for 7up, Nehi and Royal Crown. From 1969 to 1995, Mr. Gardner was a security officer for Williams College; after retirement he drove a bus for Dufour Inc. for many years.



Chuck was very active member of the Williamstown community. He served on the Williamstown Volunteer Fire department and was a member of the Gale Hose Co. He was a member of the Williamstown American Legion and attended the Second Congregational Church. He was a member the Williams Lodge of Masons and the Melha Shiners, having served three times as president of the Berkshire Shrine Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family going camping.



Survivors include his wife, Rita (Jones) Gardner, whom he married September 29, 1956; two sons, Charles "Chip" Gardner Jr. and his significant other Lisa Armstrong  and her daughter Kayla of North Adams and Mark Gardner and his wife Lois and her daughter and son-in-law Kendra and Arthur Holland of Pittsfield; his grandson Joshua Parent, his wife Jamie and their children Lily and Alexandra of Hoosick falls, N.Y.; longtime friends Tina and Chanel Parent and their daughter Katalin of Pownal, Vt.; and several nieces and nephews.



He was predeceased by a brother, Sidney Gardner Jr.; and a sister, Clista Roberts.



Funeral notice: Funeral services will take place Friday, July 22, 2016, at 10 a.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Burial will follow with military honors in Eastlawn Cemetery, Williamstown.



Calling hours are Thursday, July 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested for Shriners Hospital for Children through the funeral home.