Paul Gardner

Woodstock-

Paul Wayne Gardner, age 69, of Woodstock, NY, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 28, 1956, in Kingston, NY, he was the cherished son of the late Donald and Dorothy Gardner. Paul's early years were spent in the close-knit community of Woodstock, where he was raised alongside his three sisters, forging a bond that would last a lifetime.

After completing his education, Paul embarked on a distinguished career with MetLife. Through his 35 years of dedicated service to the company, he worked in different divisions that took him from Kingston to Rochester to New York City but Paul always remained rooted in Woodstock and returned home upon his retirement.

Outside of work, Paul was a devoted Yankees fan and if he wasn’t completing the NY Times crossword puzzle, you might find him watching a classic Western. Paul was also an avid reader and collector of baseball cards. He was blessed with many faithful friends and neighbors and was particularly grateful for the unwavering support of the Geuss and Turner families, whose friendship he deeply valued.

Paul's memory will be lovingly remembered by his devoted sisters, Donna Pelham of Oyster Bay, NY, and Joyce Carr of Buford, GA, along with her husband, Jim. His legacy will continue through his 7 nieces and nephews, as well as his 12 grandnieces, grandnephews, and 4 great-nieces, who adored him. Preceded in death by his parents and his eldest sister, Cheryl Bender, Paul's spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. 

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Paul will be held on Saturday at 11am at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.  Burial in the Woodstock Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Friday Jan. 16 from 3pm to 6pm at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home.  The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to www.stjude.org  You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Paul's Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Gardner, please visit our floral store.