Contributions to the tribute of John Brooke Gardiner

F

Fran lit a candle

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Dear Blair and Regina and Family, Your dad was one of a kind. So creative and loving and a true family man. Please accept my deepest condolences. He will truly be missed for all time. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories and moments you have shared and the knowledge that he rests in the arms of the Lord. Much love, Fran Myklusch

R

Russ Cowell posted a condolence

Friday, March 3, 2023

Sincere sympathy is extended to Beth and family. I am deeply saddened to learn of Brooke’s death. We were St. A. Brothers at UNC. I was in the Class of 1954 and Brooke was a grad student in Chemistry. Brooke was an usher in my wedding following my graduation in June 1954. I read the posting from KJ Garner about moving his automobile from the Hall parking lot to Y Court. While I was not one of the five Brothers who perpetrated the deed at 10:30 to 11:00 p.m. in the evening. I remember the event, but do not remember the identity of the five Brothers. I do remember Brooke’s puzzled gaze at the parking lot the next morning, not seeing his car, and thinking perhaps he left it in the Chemistry Building parking lot.

J

Jewel Ward uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

I absolutely loved Brooke. He, Dave Judson, Skip Awalt, and Chip (?) are among my earliest memories of the “old guys” when I first joined the Hall in the fall of 1988. I am now the age (approximately) that Brooke was when I first met him. Here is a photo of us from April 11, 2015. I will miss him at Swing Outs. I can’t give you a specific memory, other than to say I loved talking to him and we had a few giggles together. He was wise and funny. I’m so sorry he has passed. May he forever Rest in Peace. The world will be less without him.

S

Sandy Carielli uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, February 23, 2023

I first met Brooke when I was an undergraduate member of St. Anthony Hall. During the banquet at the first national convention I attended (1996), he sat at our table, carried on a wonderful conversation, and made me feel so welcome. Years later, when I brought me husband to a St. A’s event for the first time, Brooke was equally gracious and welcoming. Brooke had a great sense of humor and didn’t take himself too seriously. Over a decade ago, at another St. A’s event, someone announced him with the wrong name. Rather than correct them, he just shrugged as if to say “close enough” and walked in. Later on, he continued the joke by introducing himself with that name. This picture is from a 2015 visit to Brooke at his and Beth’s home in New Jersey.

K

KJ Garner uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, February 23, 2023

+ 2

Brooke Gardiner leaves a legacy of compassion, caring, and curiousity. I am a member of his fraternity at UNC-Chapel Hill, St Anthony Hall. Though I joined 43 years after Brooke did, the gap didn't matter much - he treated all of his younger siblings with respect and interest, and we all loved him for it. Both the active chapter and graduate organization celebrated him with dedications and essays and he'd wave it off, saying there were others who would be better suited for a tribute. The photos are from various events over the years for St Anthony Hall - local reunions and national ones as well as student leadership development workshops. Brooke helped shape young minds for DECADES. The article is from the UNC student newspaper, the Daily Tar Heel, from 5 December 1953. It concerns a stealthily executed prank on the "6 foot 6" Gardiner by his brothers at the Hall. The other story that reflected on Brooke's time at the Hall had to have been about the lederhosen... I believe he brought out a pair sometime in the 1980s (before my time) but sadly I never got to see him in them. I will miss Brooke greatly. I am so glad our paths crossed in this universe. Much love to all who miss him.

E

Elizabeth Stoll Bellezza lit a candle

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Brooke Gardiner was our neighbor in Mountainside during the early-70s to mid-80s when we lived on Stony Brook Lane. Our children grew-up next door to each other. Brooke was always a welcoming beacon to all the neighborhood children sharing his love of science and encouraging play with his sons, Allen and Blair. He created beautiful glass-blown art and delicate bonsai trees, but we will remember him most for his wonderful dry sense of humor and his warmth and kindness He was truly a Man-for-all-Seasons. Elizabeth & Donald Bellezza & Family.

J

The family of John Brooke Gardiner uploaded a photo

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

K

Kevin Beatty lit a candle

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Brooke was the most impressionable alumnus I ever met when an undergrad at UNC. He could relate so well to anyone; with wit, sublime intelligence, and unending grace. This is a most profound loss. My heart goes out to his entire family. All of the Brothers & Sisters of Xi will continue to value Brooke ad infinitum.

John Brooke Gardiner

1929 - 2023

About Us

WATCHUNG Location

(908)756-0017

map & Directions

Quick Links