Gerald F. “Galvie” Gardner, 83, of Belle Vernon, died peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, at Wexford Healthcare Center in Wexford, Pa. Gerald was born in Fayette City on Oct. 6, 1939, and was the youngest child of the late William “Galvie” Gardner and Clara Jesick. He was preceded in death by his six siblings, Thelma Wilson, Joan Kasunic, Claire Aldridge, William Gardner, James Gardner and Peter Gardner. Gerald graduated from Belle Vernon High School in 1957, married Carole Pozum on Jan. 28, 1961, and was a lifelong resident in the Monongahela Valley area. Gerald is survived by his wife, Carole; and sons, Gerald Gregg and wife Michele of Somerdale, N.J., and Richard David Gardner of McCandless, Pa. Gerald and Carole’s grandchildren are Joshua (wife, Cherith) and Melissa Diliberto (husband, Mark), and Matthew, Jacob, Ryan, and Zachary (and mother, Michelle Puskarich Gardner). Their great-grandchildren are Clara, Gabrien, Coen, Magnolia, Shiloh and Mark James (deceased). As a young man, Galvie worked for Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp., Allenport plant, in Washington County, Pa. In the 1970s, he aspired from shop steward to the vice president of Allenport Local Union 1187 followed by two successive terms as the union president. In the years following, Galvie trained for law enforcement, becoming a police officer serving across the Mon Valley working in Fayette City, California, Long Branch, RESA and West Brownsville. He continued on in public service as mayor and on council in California Borough. In his senior years, Galvie remained involved in SOAR, Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees for two terms as president. Galvie was known in the Mon Valley area for often writing poignant letters to the editor of The Valley Independent newspaper for over 40 years on all types of issues relating to the struggle of workers in difficult times. Galvie loved to volunteer at local food banks and helped pass out turkeys at Thanksgiving. Galvie loved the outdoors, and for nearly 70 years, continued and passed on a family tradition of hunting and fishing and fun in the hills and mountains of western Pennsylvania. He also loved the beach in the summers, enjoying many vacations there with his family. He loved sports and coached both of his sons in local sports. He loved the Steelers and the Penguins. Galvie loved his family, and grew in his love for his God, his church and his country. He worked and served in and was an active member at Pricedale Union Church for many years. Galvie believed in God and in the promise of eternal life based on faith alone in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ his Savior on the cross. The Gardner family holds on to many promises from the Bible that declare that Gerald F. Gardner is no longer suffering, and is welcomed into the loving hands of our God in heaven. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes any donations to be directed to support Galvie’s grandson Joshua’s family mission to further the good news of the Gospel at www.gardnerfamilyonmission.com, or send a check to E3 Partners, Box 1053, Searcy, AR 72145, memo line #845 Gardner. Arrangements entrusted to SPERLING FUNERAL HOME, Wexford. Tributes can be left at www.sperlingfuneral.com.
