Robert J. Gardula Obituary – Fitchburg, MA (1938-2024)

A legacy of excellence in training, education and friendship Fitchburg Robert (Bob) J. Gardula left us on May 24, 2024. Bob was born in Fall River in 1938. He was the son of Peter and Celia (Slusarz) Gardula. Bob is survived by his loving wife Diane Rouleau-Gardula, his sister Doris Levesque, his children Michael, Eric and Peter, seven grandchildren, Jack, Grant, Clark, Ryan, Ethan, Sofia and Nicholas, and as his Wujek, Zoe and Arlo Manchester. A graduate of BMC Durfee High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences Education from Bridgewater State University and a master’s degree and doctorate from Clark University’s graduate school of Geography. While at Bridgewater, Bob participated in several extracurricular activities. He was a member of the varsity football, basketball, tennis and track teams. He received the Outstanding Scholar/Athlete award for the class of 1960. He was inducted into the Bridgewater State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. Bob’s athletic interests led him to successfully coach football for youth and junior teams. secondary. In 1984, his Wachusett regional team won the Massachusetts Division 1 boys soccer championship and he was named “Coach of the Year” by the Massachusetts State Soccer Coaches Association. The inscription beneath his photo in the college yearbook described him as “capable, kind and responsible.” A reserved man who rarely talked about himself. That was Robert, always. Bob enjoyed nearly 40 years of employment in higher education. He was an assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Geology at Illinois State University, a professor in the Department of Geography and Geology at The Ohio State University in Athens, OH, and a professor in the Department of Geophysical Sciences at Fitchburg State University. in Fitchburg. MA before retiring in 2003. His retirement gave Bob time to pursue his love of photography. Whether on annual visits to Cape Cod or on trips across the states, he always composed beauty, drama and fun in the hundreds of shots of him. His favorite photo opportunities came during car trips to capture the foliage of New England. Bob and Diane enjoyed traveling, exploring trails, hiking, snowshoeing, jogging, taking classes at Fitchburg State, and most of all, sharing their love of reading. Bob’s mornings included completing a crossword puzzle and Sudoku, always written in ink. His afternoons ended with his nightly game of solitaire on the computer. His last game brought his total games played to 23,264. Reading material included three newspapers a day and a book always at hand. Whether waiting for the doctor, an oil change, Diane shopping, Bob took advantage of those moments to read. During the pandemic, Bob taught himself how to paint with acrylic. He painted every day during that time. After the pandemic, he continued to explore many painting ideas, including landscapes, abstract art, and still life. He produced hundreds of beautiful scenes that capture many of the places he and Diane visited, as well as many of his own imagination. The quiet life that most of us live is ours alone to live, to watch pass by and fill as we wish. The stacks of books, the hundreds of photographs and paintings. Files carefully organized. A story of stillness and peace that we should all strive for from time to time. .Bob leaves a legacy of excellence in training, education and friendship. At Bob’s request, funeral services were private. A green burial was held for him at Pine Grove Cemetery in Westford. Contributions may be made to Bridgewater State University Foundation, PO Box 42, Bridgewater, MA, 02324. For further condolences, please visit www.westfordhealy.com