Philip Howard Gardner

Philip Howard Gardner, 90, of Hockessin, DE, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, surrounded by family. Phil was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

The youngest of three boys, he was born in Buffalo, NY, to Philip and Ida Maye Gardner. His father’s job took the family to Iowa, Washington, Minnesota and eventually Wilmington, DE, when he was in middle school. It was at Krebbs Middle School that he met the love of his life, Shirley Covert Gardner.

Phil graduated from Conrad High School in 1952 and, after a 2-year hitch in the U.S. Navy, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware. He also attended a year of Law School at Villanova University.

Phil ‘s great love was his wife of over 70 years, Shirley, and their family. They met at Krebb’s Middle School, began dating at Conrad High School, and had a loving and enviable marriage that endured for nearly 71 years. Their union produced three children: Susan, Linda and John.

Phil enjoyed a 34-year career with DuPont in sales, product distribution, employee relations and human resources. His career moved the family across the country from Wilmington, DE, to Mount Vernon, IL, Virginia Beach, VA, New Orleans, LA, and then back to Delaware in 1972.

Phil was an engaging and affable man who made friends wherever he went. He was an expert bridge player and had a passion for life that included fishing, boating and general puttering at the beach house where he and Shirley entertained family and friends for over 25 years.

Phil and Shirley were also snowbirds and spent 17 winters in Florida along with many of their Drummond Hill and Ebenezer friends. They were blessed with friendships that had endured since high school, in addition to numerous 50+ year friendships with friends made as they moved around the country.

His faith was a huge part of Phil’s life. He was a 53-year member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church and was active in the Methodist Church’s Cursillo movement and Stephen Ministry programs where he counselled others. Phil was a lay pastor and preached at churches throughout the area; he also served as a Chaplain in the Prison outreach and VA hospital ministries.

He is survived by his three children: Susan LaMedica (John), Linda Mullin (Kerry) and John Gardner (Tim Whelan), four grandchildren: Kyle Mullin (Melissa), Emily Mullin Pate (Justin), Nick LaMedica (Kate Hoffman), and Kelsey Whelan (Nick Winikoff), and four (soon to be five) great grandchildren: Adelaide, Alexandra, and Ainsley Pate, Brianna Mullin, and Baby Winikoff (due in June), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phil was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Covert Gardner (who passed just a few months ago on February 14th), his parents, Philip and Ida Maye Gardner, older brother Douglas ‘Jack’ Gardner and twin brother Robert (Bob) Gardner.

Special thanks to the staff at Kendal Crosslands in Kennett Square where Phil spent the last 3 months of his life. Their compassion and care were a great comfort to Phil and his family.

Services will be held on Monday, June 2nd, 2025, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity in Phil’s memory.