Phillip James Gardner

Phillip J. Gardner, age 82, of Sunbury, OH passed away September 4, 2022. Graduate of Westerville High School 1958, Bachelor of Science in Education 1964 and MBA 1970 from The Ohio State University. Teacher of Industrial Arts with Columbus Public School System for 35 years, Starling Middle School and Northland High School. Associated with the Ohio Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 18) for 53 years as an Apprentice instructor of Operating Engineers. Survived by wife of 57 years, Nancy (Wright) Gardner; sons, Grant (Janna) Gardner and Daniel (Andrea) Gardner; daughter, Krista Gardner; grandchildren, Dylan Gardner, Rachel Gardner and Bree Gardner. Phil was very proud of his grandson, Dylan, who recently graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University, Boston, MA. brothers, Steve (Karen) Gardne and Larry (Patricia) Gardner; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews; Phil felt he was one of the luckiest people alive because of family and because he had the opportunity to work with so many terrific people over the course of his life. That included teaching school and attempting to guide young adults towards various occupational choices that would map out their futures. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching and took pleasure in working with so many great students from Columbus Public Schools and the Operating Engineers Apprentice Program. He was also rewarded with knowing so many different young people who enjoyed his passion for working machinery and toy collecting. Friends may call at the Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Friday 6-8 p.m.. Graveside service will be held at Africa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ohio Living Sarah Moore nursing facility in Delaware, OH and The American Cancer Society.