Ticky was born January 8, 1932 in Gouverneur, NY. and passed on January 12, 2021 in Miami, FL. with his wife Ginny and daughter Emily by his side. He was a kindhearted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose memory will continue to be honored thru the life of his family and friends. Tick was the son of Alice McDougall Gardner (Chilton) and Joseph Gardner. Joseph Gardner was killed in the line of duty in 1937 while serving with the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department. Tick graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1949, where he excelled in academics and sports. He was selected as the Co-MVP for basketball in 1949 with his lifetime friend Jimmy Marshall. Basketball remained a lifetime passion for him, from playing to following. He also enjoyed following baseball and football. After graduating high school he worked in the paper mill and then served two years in the US Army, working as a company clerk. He returned to Gouverneur and married Olive A. Liscum in 1955. He later worked as a mucker at St. Joe’s zinc mine in Balmat, NY. A recount of his experiences during this time was featured on NCPR’s North Country at Work project back in 2019, which included a short audio feature and written account of his 9 months working in the mines.* His time spent in the mines was the “single most formative experience of his life”, convincing him to pursue higher education.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cortland State University for education/teaching and was awarded a Ph.D. in psychology from Syracuse University. He moved to Essex Junction, VT. in 1962 and taught at the University of Vermont for four years. He had an immense passion for teaching; in 1966, he moved to University Park, MD. where he was an associate professor in the Department of Human Development, College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park until his retirement at age 75. During that time, he was also the director of Advocates for Children, a division of the College Park Scholars program which he was very passionate about and actively involved in. He continued a life dedicated to his own education and intellect (with particular interest in reading and learning about current events, US and world history) and to his family and close friends.

He married Ginny Fu in 1987 whom he met while teaching English in China. They enjoyed traveling within and outside of the US, spending time on the Eastern Shore of Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, and spending summers in the North Country fishing at their camp on Lake of the Woods in Redwood, NY.

Survivors include his wife Ginny Fu Gardner, University Park, MD., their daughter Emily Fu Gardner, Miami, FL., two sons from his first marriage; Scott Andrew Gardner, University Park, MD. and John Albert Gardner, Alexandria, VA., grandson Casey Patrick Gardner, University Park, MD., granddaughter Madilyn Fu Romer, Miami, FL. Brothers Harry “Thumper” Chilton, San Diego, CA., Tom “Quits” Chilton, Charleston, SC., many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Gardner Tharrett, and his first daughter, Alison Elaine Gardner.

A celebration of his life will be held in late July with close family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department.

*Keyword search for ‘Albert Gardner’ on the NCPR website to read and listen to Tick’s mucking story! https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/