By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mr. Gardner

FINNEYTOWN - Herbert P. Gardner, whose family operated one of the earliest Ford dealerships in Greater Cincinnati, died April 24 at Mercy Franciscan Hospital. The Finneytown resident was 86.

Mr. Gardner's father opened Reading Garage Inc. in the 1920s, and Mr. Gardner began working there after serving with the U.S. Navy in New Guinea during World War II.

He worked his way up in the company and, by 1958, held the position of president and majority stockholder.

He sold the dealership in 1967 and became an examiner of building and loans for Ohio, retiring in 1981.

Mr. Gardner was a graduate of Roger Bacon High School, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

"He was a very strong family man who believed strongly in education and gave a great education to his ... sons," said his son, Thomas Gardner of West Chester.

Mr. Gardner, a devout Catholic, served as a lector at St. Vivian Parish for many years.

A lover of music, Mr. Gardner spent hours playing piano - often music he had composed himself.

"He was certainly a good musician," his son said. "He played by ear (and) he could play about anything that he heard."

Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by a son Anthony in 1960.

In addition to his son Thomas, survivors include Maryan Nolting Gardner, his wife of 59 years; two other sons, Stephen and Michael Gardner, both of Liberty Township; a sister, Ethel Schumacher of Reading; two brothers, Richard and Robert Gardner; and five grandchildren.

Services have been held. Burial was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Montgomery.

Memorials: Father Jack Memorial Fund, St. Vivian Church, 7600 Winton Road, Cincinnati 45224.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com