David Goodwin Gardner, 73, passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 17, 2026 at Carthage Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, where for the last two and a half years he received loving care in the end stages of Parkinson’s Disease.

Born May 19, 1953 to Goodwin and Bettie Gardner, Dave’s childhood on the Risley Road was spent surrounded by many relatives and dear family friends. His time attending Hermon-DeKalb Central marked the beginning of life-long friendships, a number of which spanned multiple generations. When not in school, he adventured on the Risley farm and in the surrounding woods. This upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for family, education, connection, small-town life, and simple pleasures.

After graduating high school, Dave obtained a degree from Canton ATC. He then went on to work various jobs before settling into his 35-year career on the road in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties for Sullivan’s Office Supply, where he formed relationships with hundreds of local businesses over the years and had meaningful, lasting connections with many of his customers. In retirement, he traded selling office supplies for vending at the Farmers’ Market for High Peaks Winery and – if you got there before they sold out – selling his homemade pies.

The most important chapter of Dave’s life began when he met Sheila Sochia. They settled down in DeKalb Junction within a mile of where he grew up. Together, they raised five children in a house his father built where friends were always welcome, coffee was always on, and it was easy to make yourself at home. Dave was a dedicated and caring father. He coached peewee sports, served as a school board member for many years, and never missed a parent-teacher conference. He enjoyed any activity that involved his kids, from ballet recitals and classical concerts, to West Coast adventures and balloon festivals, to NASCAR races and an impromptu round of RelayBall, and all of the sporting events along the way. While he truly loved being Dad, his favorite title, hands down, was Grandpa.

Dave’s family would like to extend deep gratitude to the staff at Carthage Center who became family to him. The ability to see through the disease and love another human being when they’re not themselves anymore with such grace is a gift, and we are forever grateful for the care he received.

In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his sons Ian and Kyle. He is survived by his wife Sheila, daughter Zoe (David) Schryver and their children Allison, Gavin, Aida, Gage and Goodwin, son Zachary (Lacey) Gardner and their children Andrew, Evelyn, Isabel Magdalena, and son Zane Gardner. Outside of immediate family, Dave is survived and remembered lovingly by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Carthage Center Activities Fund, c/o Business Office, 1045 West St, Carthage, NY 13619, or the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, PO Box 156, DeKalb Jct, NY 13630.

A gathering will be held at the United Methodist Church in DeKalb Junction on Saturday, October 24th at 1PM with a service at 2PM officiated by Lay Pastor Martha Helmer, refreshments and fellowship to follow.