Patrick Gardella

Patrick Vincent Gardella 1965-2026

Celebration of Life

May 30, 2026, Saturday, 12 to 2pm

Excalibur Village 23470 OR-213 S, Oregon City, OR 97045.

In lieu of flowers donate to the American Heart Association. 

Patrick V. Gardella was born in California in Jan. 1967. Patrick had many interests as a child. He was fascinated by trains and as a young child dressed as a train engineer for Halloween. Patrick enjoyed playing with GI Joes and green plastic war men. As he grew older he enjoyed performing magic shows, experimenting with chemistry sets, and owning a pet turtle.

Patrick had good work values at a young age making money by picking strawberries and having a paper route. Patrick chose to go to Cleveland High school because of its business magnet program. Patrick was very active in high school. Patrick was involved in running the school store. He competed in track. He ran for student council. He joined the cheer squad which was a very controversial thing to do in the eighties since Cleveland had not had a male member of the cheer squad in recent memory. Outside of school Patrick participated in Civil Air Patrol, a youth voluntary auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. 

Patrick went on to get his associates degree from PCC in Business Management. Patrick did some stints working at Emporium, BiMart and Macy's. Patrick became a manager for Coach house gifts in Mall 205. When that location closed he became manager for the Cornet store in Sellwood. When that location closed Patrick decided it was time to launch his own business, Games, Trains and Planes Hobbies on Foster road. Patrick closed the business as the trend of online shopping was taking off.

Patrick worked over two decades for Fred Meyers. First at the Hawthorne store, then Peninsula and then eventually working 19 years at the Interstate location. Patrick was a proud member of the Union UFCW 555. Patrick was a major motivator on the picket line during the strike. 

Patrick was active in supporting political causes he believed in. He donated his time to stuff envelopes. One time Patrick even ran for a councilman position on a board. 

Patrick had an active personal life. Patrick travelled to New York, Hawaii and other locations. Patrick was married for a while. Patrick was a big brother to two sisters. Leela was just about two years younger than him and they were best playmates when they were small. April was 15 years younger than Patrick. Patrick was a proud supporter at many of her activities including when she was a junior rose festival princess. Patrick was a fabulous uncle to Aurora, Kaden and Elliott. Patrick had a knack for giving the perfect gift and making holidays magical. During the last years of his life he grew close with his former co-worker Terry Sellers and his extended family. 

Patrick Gardella passed away peacefully in his home in Oregon City. Preceded by his father Leo Gardella. Survived by his mother Rebecca Gardella (formerly Grueser), two sisters and 3 nieces and nephews.