Ralph Alan Gardner, 79, a Tivoli resident for over 30 years and formerly of Dutchess County, died unexpectedly at home on November 7, 2024.

Ralph was born July 25, 1945; the son of the late Ralph F. and Blanche Swart Gardner. Born and raised in Poughkeepsie, he was a 1962 graduate of Arlington High School.

Mr. Gardner proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Ralph worked as a carpenter for the Hyde Park Central School District for over 30 years until his retirement. He was a self-taught carpenter who enjoyed working with his hands and liked to always keep busy, especially on a home project or tinkering with an old car.

Creative at heart, Ralph was a talented artist who liked to draw.

He enjoyed being outdoors, but really loved being a husband, dad, and grandfather.

On Saturday, September 5, 1970, in St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie, he married the former Marie A. Gardiner. His wife predeceased him in 2022.

Survivors include his two daughters, Jacqueline and Melissa Gardner, six grandchildren, Auston, Juston, and Daniel Stanhope, Gavin and Maya Dixit, and Elias Maillet; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by daughter Kerrianne Gardner-Dixit in 2016 and by his sister, Nancy Perotti in 2015.

In keeping with his wishes, funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the Gardner family respectfully requests memorial donations to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region-Albany, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208. (www.rmhcofalbany.org)

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

To send an online condolence, please visit Ralph's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.