Charles David Gardiner, 78, passed away at home on June 18, 2025, surrounded by family after a battle with lung cancer. His passing came just six days after that of his beloved younger brother, Gordon—a poignant reflection of the bond they shared from the time they were born 14 months apart.

Born in Quincy, MA, Charlie was the son of the late Gordon and Elizabeth Gardiner. In 1955, the family moved to Cape Cod, where Charlie would spend the rest of his life. He graduated from Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School in 1964, playing football alongside brother Gordon. High school is also where he met his future wife, Carol Phillips.

Charlie, Gordon, and older brother Roger spent much of their younger years on Gardiner Lane working for the family’s cottage rental business. Guests may recall the boys playing music for them or pushing lawnmowers around. Charlie also briefly worked at the family’s sub shop and Gardiner Tile and Carpet in South Yarmouth.

After high school, Charlie ventured west to Wyoming for college before transferring to Rider College. He later joined the Coast Guard Reserves, serving out of Otis AFB.

In the late 1960s, he joined the crew that dismantled the old railroad tracks, paving the way for today’s Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Charlie built a long and dedicated career as a lineman, starting with Cape & Vineyard Electric Co., and ending with Eversource. He took great satisfaction in restoring power to his neighbors, never hesitating to work overtime. A member of Utility Workers of America (life member of Local 369), Charlie retired in 2011 after 43 years—at the time, the oldest lineman on the Cape.

Charlie and Carol together raised two sons, enjoying skiing in New Hampshire, camping at Nickerson Park, visiting the Grand Ole Opry, and spending summer days at Chapin Beach. Their home became a hub each Fourth of July, when visiting friends pitched tents in the backyard. After Carol’s passing in 2011, Charlie continued the tradition, cherishing the laughter and chaos it brought.

A devoted Boston sports fan, Charlie often could be found in his recliner watching his beloved teams with a crossword puzzle in hand. Other times he would be immersed in a thriller novel borrowed from the Dennis Library.

Charlie is survived by his sons, Kyle Gardiner (Pam) of Connecticut and Christopher Gardiner of Colorado; grandchildren, Rachel and Jason Gardiner, of Connecticut; brother Roger Gardiner (Bobbie) of South Yarmouth; sister Amy Dixon (Donn) of Syracuse, NY; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Pine Grove Road, South Yarmouth, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association or a charity of choice.

So sorry to learn of Charlie's passing. We worked on a crew together for many years at Cape & Vineyard, had so great times. We even did some motorcycle riding together with some of the boys from C&V in our younger days. My condolences to the entire family. God speed Charlie.

Very sorry to hear of Charlies passing .We shared time as neighbors and many years working together at the old Cape and Vinyard.We had some good times. My condolences to all the family.