Bennett C. Gardiner Ii

Bennett C. Gardiner II passed away on October 15th with his loving wife by his side. He was born September 3, 1954, in Plattsburgh, NY. The oldest of 6 children, he was a great mentor and friend to each of his siblings. He was a brilliant student, graduating from Watertown High School in 1972 and attending Syracuse University, where he received a BSc in Geology and lettered in Varsity rowing.

He married the love of his life, Laura on August 21, 2004, in a beautiful ceremony at their home in Windsor, NY.

He worked as a superintendent for various construction companies including General Crushed Stone and Barrett Paving before joining the New York State Department of Transportation - Region 9, where he served as Regional Maintenance Manager until his retirement in 2016.

He was deeply dedicated to this great nation, his state of New York, and his local community. He served many in his various roles:

• In the New York Guard (1985 – 2017) as an Engineering Officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). He was activated for several months during 9/11.

• In the Ithaca Flotilla 2-2 - Coast Guard Auxiliary (2018 – present), where he served as Flotilla Commander (2 terms), Vice Commander, and the Communications Services Officer (FSO-CS).

• As the Commander of the 137th New York Volunteer Infantry where he kept alive the spirit of Colonel David Ireland’s famed Civil War unit. Bennett was also a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

He loved Irish Culture, including (and maybe especially) Guinness Beer. He loved all things outdoors: hunting, fishing, and shooting firearms. He was also handy with tools and helped his father build their beloved cottage in Cranberry Lake providing joy to family and friends throughout the years.

He was so proud of his grandsons, nieces, and nephews and was quick to speak kind, affirming words to them whenever he had the opportunity. He supported their achievements and was a great encourager to each of them.

Bennett especially loved music and spent many hours attending concerts by his brother’s rock band Wirlwind where he served as a roadie, head of security, and band comedian.

He was predeceased by his parents, Myron and Mary DeFranco, his sister Michelle DeFranco, his great nephew Leo Anthony DeFranco, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

He is survived by his beloved wife Laura, his stepdaughter Bridgette Blakeslee and grandsons Robert and Alistair Blakeslee, Gary (Zena) Smith, who was like a son to him, his brothers and sisters, Samuel (Dawn) DeFranco, Leslie (Derek) Knott, Myron (Robin) DeFranco and Rebecca (Greg) Fichtl, and 11 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

He was deeply loved by his family and friends who will miss him endlessly. His quick wit, amazing celebrity impressions (especially James Mason and Walter Brennan), and extreme kindness will leave this world lacking but there will be roaring laughter and even more love in heaven.

Calling hours will be in two locations:
• In the Binghamton area: Wednesday, October 23rd, 4 pm – 6 pm at Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760.

• In the Watertown area: Calling hours, memorial service, and graveside service in Watertown. Calling hours will be at Cummings Funeral Home, 214 Sterling Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Please refer to www.Newzjunky.com for more information.