Dr. John E. Gardner, Jr., 73, of Brethren Village, Lancaster, PA, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2013, at Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center. Born in York, he was the son of the late John E. Sr. and Vivian R. Bricker Gardner. John was married to Elizabeth "Betsy" Lee Gardner for 50 years last June.

He graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from Gettysburg College in 1962 and earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Delaware in 1967. John worked as a chemist for Armstrong Cork Company for 2 years and then as a quality assurance director and senior staff scientist for Bayer HealthCare for 40 years. He was a member of the American Chemical Society.

John enjoyed fishing, computer electronics and visiting New Jersey beaches and marinas. Betsy and John lived in Myerstown for 40 years before moving to Brethren Village.

John is survived by his loving wife Betsy, devoted friends Bruce and Beth Ann Henning, Uncle John Rathman and many friends, and colleagues.

Betsy sends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Brethren Village for the loving care they gave to John over the last 5 years.

A Memorial Service will be held 10 AM Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at the Brethren Village Chapel, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606, with Rev. J. Mark Tedford officiating. Betsy will receive friends 9-10 AM on Tuesday at Brethren Village. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Brethren Village Endowment Fund, Attn: Development Department, PO Box 5093, Lancaster, PA 17606 or to a charity of one's choice.