Putnam Pantry candy maker

Published in the March 11, 2016 edition

Maurice-Gardner-obit-webSTONEHAM — Maurice L. “Mick” Gardner III of Stoneham, formerly of Melrose, died unexpectedly on Feb. 29 at the age of 56.

Mick was born and raised in Melrose and was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1977. He went on to receive his welding certificate at Whittier Technical School in Haverhill and also a certificate in organic gardening. Mick resided in Stoneham and Melrose for many years. He worked as a Candy Maker for Putnam Pantry in Danvers for 14 years and had a passion for food, cooking, barbecuing and making his famous ribs. Mick enjoyed spending time with his friends camping and going on golf trips to Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Arizona. He loved to make people laugh, tell jokes, put a smile on your face and was the friendliest guy you’d ever meet. Mick loved lighthouses, getting people together and spending Christmas with his family.

He was the loving father of Erica D. (Gardner) Marshall of Haverhill; Sara M. (Gardner) McNair of Bolton; and Maurice L. “Mick” Gardner IV of Haverhill. He was the cherished grandfather of Angelis, Avian, Aaliyana, Aiden, Maurice V “Reece” and Bryce. He was the devoted son of the late Maurice and Esther (Despart) Gardner. He was the caring brother of Stephen Gardner of Rhode Island; Paula Ciampa of Stoneham; Trisha Pozerski of New Hampshire; and the late Esther and David Gardner. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Tuesday, March 8 from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to help Mick’s family with funeral expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/y7saa7wc.