John J. Gardella
Jan 24,1932 - Apr 14, 2021
Lifelong Norwalk resident and business leader, John Joseph Gardella, dies at 89
John Joseph Gardella passed away peacefully on April 14th in Jupiter Florida, following a stroke. He was surrounded by his loving wife Kevyn and his 7 children at the end.
John was born in Norwalk on January 24, 1932 to Louis J. and Beryl Norman Gardella of Norwalk. He made Norwalk his home for his entire life, retiring for the winters only in Florida. He grew up the oldest of five brothers, and joined his father and brothers in running their family businesses at a young age: Gardella Trucking, Rex Marina, and Norwalk Cove Marina. He was also the youngest bank director of Merchants Bank in Norwalk, and developed many homes and condominium projects in the local area with his partners Pat “Dixie” Cutrone and Kaj Snellman.
John was a natural leader and athlete. Alongside his lifelong friend Stew Leonard, he won many trophies for the Ascension Beach Water Ski Club. John’s accomplishments could fill the pages of the Norwalk Hour—and actually did. He was one of the first people to jump 100 feet on water skis. He was a seaplane pilot, a boat captain, and a great golfer, winning the Governor’s cup at Shorehaven Golf Club where he was a member since 1962.
He will be remembered as a man of great integrity and humor, a loving father and husband. He was a most generous person who silently helped countless employees, friends, and family, without the need for anything in return.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, Louis and Beryl, and by his brothers Louis Jr. and Thomas. He is survived by his brothers James and William.
John leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Kevyn Gardella, their seven children (and their spouses): John L. Gardella (JoAnn), Daniel Gardella, Donna LeBlanc (Gary), Lisa Bloom (Bobby), Stu McArthur (Paula), Judd McArthur (Ally), and Kelly Adams (Sam), 14 grandchildren: Terra, Caele, Neil, Daryl, Karis, Ian, Randall, Brandon, Shannon, Christian, Jake, Madeline, Sydney and Nicholas, and 6 great grandchildren: Logan, Wyatt, Avery, Riley, Aurora and Merida.
A private ceremony will take place later this summer, with a celebration of his life to follow at Shorehaven Golf Club. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Hospice of Connecticut.