OBITUARY Print
Ernest Gardina, 78, of Meridian passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. He was born in Natrona Heights on January 7, 1943 to the late Frank and Ruth Gardina. Ernest Graduated from Har-Brack High School in 1960. He enlisted in the Army at age 17 and served in Korea as a US Army equipment repair engineer until he was honorably discharged. Ernest retired from Allegheny Ludlum after 34 years then worked for AMGARD security for several years. He was an avid race car builder for 58 years, raced at several local dirt tracks, and was the owner of Blanket Hill Speedway for five years. He was also very active with the Drum and Bugle Corps, most notably with the Tarentum Red Knights. Ernest is survived by his wife Kathleen Gardina; father of Mellissa Gardina of Vandergrift, Max (Courtney) Gardina of Sarver, and Matthew (Dawn) Gardina of Leechburg; grandfather of Nicholas, Mollie, Addyson, Grace, and Matthew Gardina. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother Jean. Burial will be held privately at Butler County Memorial Park through the SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001, WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local American Legion and VFW Posts to help with veteran funerals.
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Services
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Spencer D. Geibel Funeral Home & Cremation Services
140 New Castle Rd., Butler, PATribute Wall
Paula Davis Grubbs
March 15, 2021 2:34 PMSo sorry to hear of Ernie's passing, Kathleen. Much love and caring from the Davis family at this difficult time.
Randy Fillhart
March 15, 2021 8:09 AM
My condolences to the family.. Sorry to hear about Ernie's passing.
He was a nice friend to have. RIP..
Rob Hawk
March 14, 2021 12:51 PMDeepest of sympathy Missy and Max
Patricia and Orvie Newcome, Jr.
March 14, 2021 9:47 AMOrvie and I are sad to hear of Ernie's passing. He was always a man Orvie looked up to with respect and friendship in his racing days. Ernie and Melissa were two of the first few people I learned about when we started dating. You are all in our prayers as you adjust to life as you go on. We know the pain, Orvie's dad passed last month. No words can make the pain go away, but know we are praying the pain soon turns only into all the loving memories that will keep him alive in your hearts.
Kim Smith
March 12, 2021 8:17 AMKathleen and Gardina family I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find peace by leaning on the Lord and comfort in your memories with Ernest. God bless you and hold you. With love, Kim Smith