Joseph Gardner, Jr., 66, of Carlisle, died suddenly on August 9, 2020.

He was the son of the late Wallace Joseph Gardner and Lyna (Christopher) Mueller. Joe was born and raised in Winchester and spent time in Concord and Centerville, Cape Cod, during his youth.

Joe attended Buckingham, Browne and Nichols School in Cambridge and went on to receive his bachelor's degree at Boston College and juris doctorate from New England School of Law.

He was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and served as past president of the Central Middlesex County Bar Association. In his primary occupation of Attorney for over 35 years, he helped many appreciative clients.

Joe had a contractor's license and could build or fix just about anything. He built his own home in Carlisle from scratch, right out of college. His sister Jill remembers the time at 15 years old Joe took a motorcycle completely apart and much to everyone's surprise it was back together and running in a few hours. His wife knows how Joe could fix anything. He also had a great appreciation for antiques which he inherited from his mother.

He loved old movies, especially westerns and old sitcoms. His favorite channels were Hallmark, TCM and Fox News.

Joe will be remembered as a wonderful and caring son to both of his parents who loved him dearly. Joe gave Paula a life full of laughter and care, he always put her needs first and made sure that she was always happy. From the very beginning, he brought her coffee in bed each day including the day he passed, and they started each day that way, planning what they wanted to do that day and kept a running list for future plans.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Gardner, and her two sons Nicholas Defino and his wife Maureen, of Fairfield, CT and Angelo Defino and Wife Melissa Defino of Las Vegas, NV. As well as his three sisters: Alice Mutrie and husband James Mutrie of Cypress, TX and their two sons James and Christopher Mutrie; Jill Gardner and husband Laurence Yaffe of Seattle, WA; and Jan Fischer and husband Stewart Fisher of West Chester, PA. He was predeceased by his sister, Jane Gardner.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Thursday, August 13, from 5:00-7:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Irene Church, 181 East St., Carlisle, on Friday, August 14, at 11:00 AM. All guests are invited back to Joe and Paula's home at 144 Bellows Hill Rd in Carlisle.

Funeral live stream link below:

W. Joseph Gardner Funeral Live Stream

All attendees required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Attn: Voluntary Services, 200 Springs Rd., Bldg. 61, Bedford, MA 01730.