Mr. John Edwin Gardner, 59, of Frankfort, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. John was born in Utica on January 2, 1956, the son of David S. and Ethel Rita (Ehlinger) Gardner. He was raised in Utica, attended St. Francis de Sales grade school and was a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. At one time, John was employed with Snap-On-Tools, Wally's Service Station in Yorkville and as an insurance adjuster and most recently as a body shop mechanic with Capital Paint and Body in Utica. He had a true passion for cars and loved animals. He was of the Catholic faith. Mr. Gardner is survived by his longtime companion, Tammy Jarmak of Frankfort; one daughter, Erica Gardner Bushley of Burke, NY; a grandson, Riley Bushley; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Elaine and Stephen Swierczek of Forestport and Linda and Steven Gribnau of Shelburne, VT; aunts and uncle, Rosemary Bronk of Yorkville, Lewis and Christine Gardner of Whitesboro and Nancy Gaines of Yorkville; Tammy's children, Janelle and her husband Adam, Stephan and Karlee and his best friend, Marco Balls. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, as well as his feline companion Devil and canine companions, Jasmine, Lexi and Bonehead. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Ethel. Calling hours for family and friends are Sunday, June 21, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. At 4:00 p.m. a prayer will be offered and those wishing to share a story or found memory may do so at that time. His burial will take place on Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica. In lieu of Flowers, please consider making a donation in John's name, to a scholarship fund being established at BOCES for an individual interested in the automotive field, C/O Tammy Jarmak, 176 Jackson Rd., Frankfort, NY 13340.