MERIDEN - Whitney O. Gardiner, Sr., of Meriden, loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004 at the age of 78, after battling a lengthy illness. He was born in Meriden on June 12, 1925, the son of the late Orrin Addison and Eva Norrie Gardiner, lifelong residents of Meriden. He entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served for four years aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He proudly retired from the Meriden Fire Department as a Lieutenant after a 27-year career. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marie Staschke Gardiner; daughter Lynn Clark of Key West, FL; son Whitney O. Gardiner, Jr. of Meriden; granddaughter Lea Clark Gamez of Naples, FL; grandson Noel Gamez and his great-grandchildren, Noel, Jr. and Marina Gamez, all of Naples, FL. At his request there will be no calling hours and burial will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the BEECHER & BENNETT FLATOW FUNERAL HOME, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden.