Gary Ralph Dardia, Sr, of Kennebunkport, Maine passed away peacefully on June 19, 2017 with his family at his side. Gary was 73 years old.

Gary was born on the first of April, 1944 in Harlem, NY to George and Dorothy Dardia. Gary grew up in East Harlem and shared many stories with his family that seemed as if they were the script of a movie. After graduating from from Benjamin Franklin High School in New York, Gary enlisted in the US Navy as a Submariner, where he served as a Machinist Mate, Third Class on the USS John Adams, SSBN 620. While serving in the U.S. Navy Gary met his wife of 52 years, Janet l Ebacher of Newburyport, MA.

Gary and Janet Dardia started their family of four children in Hampton, New Hampshire where they lived until 1984. Gary moved his family to Kennebunkport, Maine where he spent the remainder of his life raising his family while tirelessly working as the Regional Manager for Nabisco and RJR Reynolds. Gary earned a BA in business from the University of New Hampshire, taking evening classes while working full time and raising his family.

Gary was fortunate to retire at the age of 53. Gary then poured his energy into his family making sure every want and need was met for his 10 grandchildren which he loved unconditionally. He also worked part time for the US Postal Service. Gary enjoyed walking the beach, going to the gym, stacking wood and most importantly making sure everyone he knew had what they needed.

Gary is predeceased by his brothers Charles, John and sisters Grace and Dorothy. Gary,Pops, Papa, Popi, is survived by wife Janet L. Dardia , Daughter Mary Beth Brown and her husband Mark Brown of Kennebunk, sons Gary Jr. and wife Barbara Dardia of Boston, MA, Gregory Sr. and wife Jenny Dardia of Barnstable, MA and Geoffrey Dardia of Fort Bragg, NC. Grandchildren; Gabrielle, Emily and Tate Brown, Nicole, Gregory Jr. and Morgan Dardia, Nicholas, John and Garrett Dardia, and Alexandria Dardia.

Services will be private.

Donations may be made in memory of Gary Sr. to Task Force Dagger Foundation. www.taskforcedagger.org The Task Force Dagger Foundation (TFD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that supports the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Established July 2009, TFD works hard to fill the gaps in coverage that exist and serve where needed.

Gary’s family also asks that he be honored by all who knew him in carrying on his caring and generosity toward others.