Murray J. Gardner

Murray J. Gardner, 74,  of Barrington, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2019 with his sons by his side. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island and was the son of the late Stanley Gardner and Edna (Driver) Gardner. He was the former husband of the late Carol Boyd.

Murray grew up in East Providence before moving to Barrington in 2000. He was a Postal Carrier for the United States Post Office in Barrington for 34 years, and was affectionately known by everyone as "Murray the Mailman". He made several guest appearances on The Steve Cass radio show under this name in the 1980's. He earned the Postal Service's distinguished Million Mile Safety Award for driving over 1 million miles in his career without an accident.

He was once asked what his favorite thing in life to do and he replied, "Spending time with my sons".

He served in the United States Army 11th Air Assault Division from 1964-1968 when he was honorably discharged.

Murray was very active in youth sports organizations throughout East Providence and Riverside. He coached several football teams and was a referee.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 10 in Riverside, a Lifetime Member of the Barrington Democratic Club in Barrington, and a member of the West Barrington Men's Club.

Murray is survived by two sons, Jim Gardner and his fiance Shannon Bradley of East Providence, Dan Gardner and his wife Chrissy Gardner of Santa Fe, Texas. Sisters, Evie Smith and her husband Eddie Smith of Attleboro, Mass, Sharon King and her husband Jim King of Berkley, Mass, Esther Mollerberg and her husband Ron Mollerberg of Riverside, and the late Patricia Howie of Pennsylvania. He is also survived by two grandsons, James Gardner Jr. of Barrington and Christopher Salisbury of Central Falls, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Murray is also survived by his best friends, Sean Cardin of Barrington, and Jack Noonan of Barrington, who were both more like sons than friends to him. The family would like to thank all of his friends and Sue Gardner for all of the happiness that they brought to him.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Smith-Mason Funeral Home, 398 Willett Avenue, Riverside, RI. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home with Military Honors. Burial will be private.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Murray's name to the Barrington Democratic Club, 186 Roffee Street, Barrington, RI 02806.

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