Frank T. Gardner

Frank Thomas Gardner 83, of Bonita Springs passed away on January 27, 2016 at North Collier Healthcare his beloved wife Renée at his side. The son of the late Alexander and Gertrude (Marcelle) Gardner, he was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 25, 1932. He moved from Manhattan to Bonita Springs in 2005. Mr. Gardner investigated aircraft accidents and incidents his entire working career, first with the Federal Aviation Administration and later as Director of the Technical Department of the Manhattan law firm of Kreindler & Kreindler. While at K&K, he worked on behalf of victims and their families investigating commercial and private plane accidents including PanAm Flight 103, Avianca Flight 052, TWA Flight 800 and the midair crash that killed Senator John Heinz. In connection with these accidents, Mr. Gardner was often interviewed on national and local television programs. He received the Washington, D.C. Roundtable Association Award for Government Participation in Education as well as the prestigious Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic Award” from the Department of Transportation/Federal Aviation Administration. Upon his retirement, Mr. Gardner joined the Naples Civil Air Patrol and became a substitute teacher at the Lorenzo Walker Technical High School. He enjoyed playing golf and bocce. Mr. Gardner was a veteran of the Korean Conflict having served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Wings Club of New York City, Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey, FAA Flight Standards Retirees and the Bonita Springs Mens Club. In addition to his wife of thirty-five years, Mr. Gardner is survived by sons; Alexander (Min) of Maitland, FL, David (Laurie) of Jacksonville, FL and daughter; Heather (Matthew) Ginder of Wharton, NJ; 5 grandchildren; Jasmine Gardner, David Gardner, Jr., Alyssa, Ryan and Devin Ginder and 2 great-grandchildren; Wesley and Emily Gardner as well as Beau, his precious Havanese. The family will receive friends at a memorial visitation to be held Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home 28300 Tamiami Tr. So., Bonita Springs. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

Frank T. Gardner

December 25, 1932 - January 27, 2016