William John Gardell Sr.

William John Gardell Sr (February 7, 1941 to February 20, 2026)

A man of few words, a coop full of pigeons, and nothing but love and pride in his heart for his family and friends.

Bill was born in Brooklyn, New York to Larry and Lillian Gardell. He was one of four siblings, Gene, Bobby, and Barbara. Bill would tell childhood stories of his railroad apartment, raviolis drying across the beds, and the older boys taking him for walks to teach him how to smoke and curse. Bill, Bobby, and his father, Larry spent their days up on the roofs in Brooklyn flying, racing, and breeding pigeons. The LRWG Loft was born on those rooftops.

At the young age of 17, Bill met the love of his life Carolyn. They got married in 1962 and had three beautiful children, Patty Sue, Billy John, and Larry. Bill loved his family, worked at the bank during the day, and worked nights at Leighton’s.

In 1973, Bill moved his family, his pigeons, and his pigeon coop to Brentwood, New York. Throughout the years, Bill adopted geese, ducks, chickens, parakeets, cockatiels, canaries, and the Gardell Farm was born. Bill continued to commute to the city until he retired and started working for the Islip Housing Authority.

If you thought Bill was proud of his own children, he was even prouder to have 10 grand-children; Jamie, Carolyn, Crystal, Belle, Brittany, Nicky, Emily, Loralee, Emma, and Ethan. He would grin from ear to ear to take them crabbing, watch the deer in Heckscher Park, play in the coop, go on trips to Disney, and most importantly, teach them his book of “dirty” songs and poems.

If you thought his heart couldn’t have gotten any fuller, Bill was lucky enough to enjoy his time with his 9 great-grandchildren; Liam, Adalynn, Silas, Colton, Weston, Amelia, Elianna, and Mae-Lynn. His heart was so full.

Bill will be remembered in our hearts forever, but his memories, stories, and legacy will live on forever with his family.

Family is Love Forever.