ForeverMissed
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Chuck with baby Scarlett, his one and only grandchild and his pride and joy
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Charles Gardner, 65 years old. His network was vast and he will be remembered fondly forever.

Family, Faith, Food, and Fan (sports fan) - These were the building blocks of Chuck's life.

Chuck is predeceased by his loving parents- mother, Bertha "Bert" Gardner, and father, Charles "Charlie" Gardner Jr of Bellmawr, NJ.

Chuck is lovingly remembered by his children, Amanda of Bowie, MD, Jonathan of Crofton, MD, Allison of Hilo, HI, granddaughter Scarlett, brothers David (wife Patti) and Mark (wife Holly), nieces and nephews Ashley, Ryan, Jes, James, Andrew, Carolyn, Lauren, Matt, Marc, Geoff, & Leanne.

Chuck was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 29th 1954. He graduated from Triton Regional High school in 1972 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1976. He worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield for nearly 40 years, but his true passion and joy was working as a professional statistician for the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and collegiate leagues. His career in sports began in college as a member of the grounds crew for the Baltimore Orioles. He made lifelong friends in the sports world who served as his cherished second family.

Chuck was a true sports enthusiast. He enjoyed traveling the country to games, talking sports with friends, and watching games on TV in his free time. He was an avid tennis player with a powerful serve. Chuck also had a deep love for music. From Breakfast with the Beatles on Sunday morning radio, to listening to brother Dave Gardner’s band, Facedown, perform live at the Jersey shore, to gospel music at church. Chuck found solace, joy, and fulfillment in music of all genres. In 2017, Chuck became a PopPop to granddaughter Scarlett and cherished the time spent with her. He was a man of faith who valued his experiences at church and in religious study groups. Towards the end of his life, Chuck was deeply inspired by the messages of Matthew 6. He enjoyed family gatherings, walks with the family dogs, delicious food, and fellowshipping with long time friends Barbara, Paul, Marty, Verne, and Jack. Chuck was loved by many and remembered most for being generous, kind, and a true comedian. He had an upbeat demeanor that uplifted those around him.

From their dad, Chuck’s three children learned a strong work ethic, perseverance, and being able to laugh, even through the most challenging of times.

The family asks that you sign in, leave a note, light a candle, or share a story about our Chuck here on this memorial page. We're deeply grateful for all of the heartfelt sentiments that we've received thus far. It's inspiring and humbling to hear just how far our dad's charismatic personality reached.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Chesapeake for all of their compassion and care for Chuck. The work they do is profound and incredible. 

**********************

Beall Funeral Home in Bowie will be handling Chuck’s arrangements, but no services will be held at this time. The family will host a celebration of life in the months ahead, pending improvements with Covid19. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made via PayPal to Chuck's daughter Amanda < amanda.gardner1254@gmail.com > These funds will be put towards Chuck’s arrangements and a celebration of life ceremony. Alternatively, donations in Chuck's honor can also be made to: 

Hospice of the Chesapeake - www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/

Montessori International School - https://www.montessoriinternational.org/support/


Tributes

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Allison Gardner
November 28, 2022
November 28, 2022
From long time friend and colleague, Verne Lundquist, April 19, 2020.

"I first worked with Chuck in 1995 when I was the play-by-play man for the NBA on TNT, with Chuck Daley as the analyst. During that season, Chuck was a member of a rotating group of statisticians with whom we worked We hit it off almost immediately.

In 1996, he joined our group during the Sunday night telecasts of the NFL on TNT with Pat Haden. Subsequently, after I rejoined CBS in 1998, we worked together on the NFL, the SEC on CBS, regular season games of NCAA basketball and the March Madness.

He was a great statistician, but was a better human being. I came to regard him as a wonderful friend, a warm, bright, funny, and witty man.

I loved him and I will miss him."
Eunice Hicks
April 12, 2021
April 12, 2021
Continue resting in heavenly peace. You will never be forgotten.
Jonathan A
April 28, 2020
April 28, 2020
My favorite Chuck memories are of him "holding court" in the Verizon Center pressroom where he told jokes from one of the dining room tables. There was always an audible chorus of laughter coming from Chuck's table. The only problem was that there were never any open seats at Chuck's table. Everyone wanted to sit with him!

We'll miss Chuck!
Cory M Parker
April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020
My basketball experiences will never be the same without Chuck at my side!! I got to know Chuck in his grandpa days, not his Craig Sager days of which his stories were legendary. He was known to us on the scorers table as "Chuckles", and while we only sat next to each other the past few years I've learned that we had been on headset together more years than I know off.

There are two things that made Chuck special for me. First was the lean in. Chuck would lean over and whisper something in your ear just for you and it was almost guaranteed that you both would come up laughing. I will miss seeing that and experiencing it!! Second was his recall and call back of the game. There were instances where something would go wrong and we needed to go to replay for correction. Without fail Chuck would be able to recall everything that happened without writing it down and without the replay monitor. He will be missed!!

Condolences and Much Love to All of Chuck's Family and Friends!!
Patrick McGrath
April 23, 2020
April 23, 2020
I had the good fortune to work with Chuck at a number of events at CBS Sports over the span of 30 years . He was an elite level statistician and an absolute joy to work with. Always had a smile on his face and was so beloved by many. He will surely be missed. My condolences to his family.


Charlie Slowes
April 21, 2020
April 21, 2020
The Gardner Family, friends and co-workers of Chuck Gardner:

I had the pleasure, and I mean pleasure, of having Chuck Gardner has my statistician for most of my 11 seasons calling Washington Bullets radio broadcasts.  Chuck was great what he did and we developed a chemistry that was so good that he could tell me the numbers and notes into my headset so I didn't have to look away from the game to glance at a written note.  But the fact that Chuck could talk into my headset as well that of my engineer Jack Hicks was simply gold. Chuck would save one-liners for the best moment and break both Jack and I up. It was great, except when he got me laughing so hard I couldn't speak....which was a real problem when I was doing a solo broadcast! 

In recent years as I've been the voice of the Nationals,  Chuck would stop into the home radio booth on days when he was working for visiting or network television. Of course, we'd talk baseball and but rekindle our Bullets days and laugh. In fact, my radio partner on Nationals games, Dave Jageler, got to know Chuck during these visits and some the old Bullets stories were new to him so we watched him crack up laughing.  It became a lift for Dave whenever Chuck walked through the door. Of course, if Paul Evans was there on the same day, it was like a double bonus for us listening to those two together. 

I could see Chucks' declining health when he visited in recent years but he would always smile and tell us he was fine and getting better.

After my Dad passed away back in 1997, so many people came to the funeral or called to express their condolences that knew or worked with him for over 35 years, people I'd never met, that loved him.  He was like Chuck, he delivered great punch lines and made people laugh...and he was really good at the job, too, like Chuck.

Please know, and you know already, how many loved Chuck and will miss him. The picture of him holding his granddaughter....he has that smile he'd bring courtside or to a broadcast booth that we came to love and usually came as he was delivering a great line to have us all laughing.

Again, my sincere condolences, 

Charlie Slowes
K White
April 21, 2020
April 21, 2020
Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there's a memory they live in our hearts to stay. May Chuck RIP
Saundra Holloway
April 21, 2020
April 21, 2020
Deepest condolences to the Gardner family, as well as Chuck's friends and co-workers from the CareFirst DC Cost Accounting team members (Randy Balin, Jeff Gable, Saundra Holloway, Bertha Kennedy, and Eric Rubinstein). May God's love comfort and console you and may your fond memories of Chuck give you peace knowing that he lives on in your heart. As a fellow employee at BCBS, I was excited to catch a glimpse of Chuck at the scorer's table when watching a Washington Wizards or Mystics game. I would proudly point him out to my family as a co-worker at BCBS. He was famous to me, but he never acted that way. He was always kind and approachable.

Rest peacefully Chuck.
Ethan D Cooperson
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
As a fellow freelance statistician, I had the good fortune to work many events with Chuck, most of them college basketball games in which he was courtside with the announcers and I was in the graphics truck. Although Chuck was one of the very best in our industry and worked with some of the greatest announcers, he never took himself overly seriously - his dry wit would keep things light-hearted, both on headset and off. I always enjoyed when I would offer up an unusual, "esoteric" stat - and Chuck would reply, "get security to the graphics truck!" RIP to a good, good man.
Muriel Mathis Lyles
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
Thank God for fond memories of Chuck Gardner, never just "Chuck", but Chuck Gardner was who he was to me. A warm beam of a smile, a caring manager who defaulted on the side of our CareFirst clients always.

He listened to a client's desperate appeal to extend premium remittance; he restrained group cancellation. He allowed a client payment plan and forgave requested premium when he could due to CareFirst error. When he could lessen the client's or CareFirst associate burden, he did! 

A selfless, caring CareFirst associate who wholeheartedly supported the renewal sales division and the company as a whole. 
Deanna Toler Kuhney
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to Chuck’s loved ones. Many will remember Chuck’s smile, quick wit, hardworking, dependable, and fast walking style. Me too. But, I’ll most remember his undercover caring way.

At one point in our CareFirst careers, I sat one aisle over from Chuck. One day as I walked in lugging my daily load of stuff, Chuck said, “Deanna, what is that stuff you’re always carting? You need a bag.” I said you’re right. The next day, there was a brand new roller style book bag sitting by my desk. That made my day! I quickly dropped my load and rushed over to thank Chuck. In his unassuming style, he shrugged it off and said, “I had it and I don’t use it,” I did manage to get that smirkish smile and a “You’re welcome.” Chuck was precious- a genuine, selfless, and kind soul.
Rest well my friend.❤️
Sandi Crothers
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
I worked with Chuck for many years and he will be deeply missed!! He was always willing to help anyone in any way he could as well as just be there to listen. Everyone loved working with Chuck. He was a great friend and always had a good story to tell Sending prayers and condolences to his family. 
James Maurice
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
Sending my prayers of comfort and love to the Gardner family during this time. Chuck was a good guy and always willing to help in a pinch. Know that his living was not in vain!
Eunice Hicks
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
I send my condolences to Allison and the entire Gardner Family, Chuck was a very kind,honest with a great sense of humor
He was the best manager I ever worked for. He always made you feel valued and appreciated. You were part of his team. I so enjoyed the time i worked for him and his smile was the best. Rest In Peace Chuck.
Priscilla Scott
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
It has been a pleasure and honor knowing you, we met when the kids were young, you've been to graduations milestone birthdays Momma Doris' Siide when she was ill. Yes, the Scott-Terry family will miss you. Blessings 
Carmen Miller
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Working with Chuck at Carefirst was always a great experience! He always came with a purpose and contributed greatly to ensure our projects were successful. He was a kind man and will not be forgotten!
Ashley Boone
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Mr.Chuck was a joy to be around. He will truly be missed my condolences to family and friends. I knew him because he and my Mom were dear to each other. A Funny guy anywhere we went (even church) he always had a joke! He was supportive of everyone! Very Hard Working, he had about 4 jobs and made his way to all of them. Carefirst, NBC, TNT, and Wizards. Often times he had to travel far but nothing could stop him from getting to his jobs. It didn’t take much to make him happy, give him the tv remote to watch ESPN a Diet Coke and he feels right at home. I will always be grateful for the love he showed to my Mom.
Mark Khatib
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Deepest condolences to Chuck's family, please know you are and will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Chuck is as good as it gets, we will miss you my friend.
Marty Aronoff
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Chuck Gardner and I worked together on sports telecasts and at college and NBA sites for almost forty years. As excellent as he was performing statistical responsibilities, he was even more memorable and enjoyable for his great character and upbeat demeanor. RIP Chuck.
Indie Rose
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
I know Allison and I want to light a candle in your honor. She is a beautiful soul and I send you all Peace Love & Light. My deepest condolences to family and friends....
Eric Weinstein
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Chuck for 30 years through my work as a freelance audio guy. He had a great sense of humor and was always upbeat and positive. I especially liked when I got the chance, usually on our meal breaks, to listen to Chuck and Paul Evans swap stories about the "old days" in local sports. I'll miss working with him very much.
Tamika Goldring Adams
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Chuck family. I met him through my aunt at bcbs almost 18 years ago. He was a very nice man and always made me laugh. May God comfort the family during this time.
Anetra Taylor
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Chuck Gardner was truly one of a kind. He was such a warm and gentle spirit. Please know that he was loved and will be fondly remembered by so many.
My prayers are with you all at this time.
Selita Bennett-White
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck. He was a wonderful person. I met him through my close friend Barbara. His kind, giving and generous spirit made me glad to be able to call him my friend. I especially loved the kind of father he was. His devotion to his children was inspiring. My condolences to his family. I know he will be missed a great deal.
Karen Kenion
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Chuck was one of the kindest person I’ve met. I enjoyed working with him and he will be forever missed. My sincerest condolences to his family. Sending prayers of comfort.
Pat Rogers
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Hello Gardner Family,
Chuck was one of the best Managers that I worked with at CareFirst. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, in deepest sympathy. May God continue to comfort you through this difficult time.
Marcy Parco
April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020
I never had the pleasure of meeting Chuck, but have the honor of knowing his daughter Allison. They say that children are a direct reflection of their parents and she is one of the strongest, most kind hearted people I've met on island. From reading these tributes, there is no doubt in my mind that apple didn't fall far from that tree. Sending condolences aloha
Randi Bulla
April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020
My deepest sympathies to your family. Love, prayers, and hugs to you all.
Cyndee Celestina
April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020
I worked with Chuck over the years , he was funny and I often heard stories of his generosity. I am sadden you hear of his passing and will always remember him.
Sara Emden
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
I have known Chuck and his family since I was 12 years old (which is as long as Allison and I have been friends!) So crazy! (We are now 34). He was the “go to” sports guy. I remember our guy friends loved asking him sports related questions. I have fond memories of him always making us laugh. He loved to joke around. I could tell he really cared deeply for Allison and wanted the best for her. He was always rooting for her during her soccer games. Being a teenage girl was never easy and even though we pushed it with him sometimes (our friend group had some fun times growing up) he always forgave us. Which proved how much he loved Al and her friends. We will miss you Chuck. Sending love to one of my longest friends, Allison, and her family.❤️
Jennifer Koch
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
In our 2.5 years as neighbors you all became family. Caring for my Karlie (now 20) while I was having her sister, to hearing my panic when Karlie was “missing” because she just had to come see “her Ali” to booking Ali flights every time we moved so that I wasn’t alone in unpacking and caring for the kids. I thank you for the love and kindness you showed my family through the years, you will be fondly remembered. Ali (And family) sending big hugs and love your way, we love you so much!!!
Allison Gardner
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
https://mobile.twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1249777513661968393

"During his incredible career, Chuck served in various roles as a Statistician for local and visiting broadcasters and as a vital member of the scorer's table crew for the Bullets/Wizards, Mystics and Go-Go. In addition to his work with our teams, Chuck distinguished himself as a premier Statistician while working with broadcasting legends such as Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery, Johnny Holiday and many others on hundreds of national and regional collegiate football ans basketball broadcasts.

While he leaves behind nearly a half century of dedicated statistical work and countless great stories, he will be best remembered for the upbeat energy, laughter and joy he brought to every game which he attended. Our condolences go out to his children Amanda, Jonathan, and Allison (and his favorite granddaughter Scarlett) as well as the many friends and coworkers who he touched along the way.

Thank you Chuck...We love you and you will be missed." ---Washington Wizards, April 13th 2020


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Recent Tributes
Allison Gardner
November 28, 2022
November 28, 2022
From long time friend and colleague, Verne Lundquist, April 19, 2020.

"I first worked with Chuck in 1995 when I was the play-by-play man for the NBA on TNT, with Chuck Daley as the analyst. During that season, Chuck was a member of a rotating group of statisticians with whom we worked We hit it off almost immediately.

In 1996, he joined our group during the Sunday night telecasts of the NFL on TNT with Pat Haden. Subsequently, after I rejoined CBS in 1998, we worked together on the NFL, the SEC on CBS, regular season games of NCAA basketball and the March Madness.

He was a great statistician, but was a better human being. I came to regard him as a wonderful friend, a warm, bright, funny, and witty man.

I loved him and I will miss him."
View all 38 tributes
Gallery
Chuck in the TV booth at Indiana vs Maryland football with Lisa Byington in 2017
Chuck courtside with Rick Pitino in 2009
Where's Chuck? Look for the headset, top right, Duke vs Georgetown in 2006
Chuck courtside with one of his favorites, Verne Lundquist, for Duke vs Georgetown in 2006
Chuck enjoying a classic Nick Young moment
Chuck with John Wall in 2011
View all 45 items
His Life

Birth of Granddaughter Scarlett 2017

April 13, 2020
by Allison Gardner
The pride and joy of the entire family! Scarlett Paige O'Connor was a bright light brought into the family and "Poppop" got a kick out of watching his spirited grandchild blossom over her first 2.5 years.

Retired from Carefirst 2015

April 13, 2020
by Allison Gardner
After 38 years, Chuck retired from a fulfilling career with Carefirst, Blue Cross Blue Shield. There were countless wonderful people that crossed his path during his time there and he looked back fondly on his tenure with the company.

Purchased Third Home 1997

April 13, 2020
by Allison Gardner
Chuck and his family moved to Columbia, MD in 1997 where he lived until 2016
View all 15 Life stories
Recent stories

Words from close friend and colleague, Verne Lundquist

November 28, 2022
by Allison Gardner
Verne Lundquist, April 19, 2020:



Tribute from Joe Castellano, Verne Lundquist & Friends

April 17, 2020
by Allison Gardner
A wonderful, heartfelt tribute from sports friends Joe castellano, Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery, Ethan Cooperson & Ed Sfida. 

Thank you all so much for your kind words.



View all 4 stories

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