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Rev. Robert F. Gardella, O.S.A. (1939-2001)

Rev. Robert F. Gardella, O.S.A. entered eternal life August 17, 2001 after a short illness.

Robert F. Gardella was born September 4, 1939 to Anthony and Helen Gardella in Detroit, Michigan. He was baptized October 8, 1939 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Detroit.

After studying at Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, Bob entered St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan in 1957 as a post-graduate. The following year he entered the Augustinian Novitiate, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, professing his first (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 5, 1959.

Bob continued his studies for the priesthood at Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois. He professed solemn (permanent) vows in the Order September 5, 1962. The following year he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in philosophy.

For the next four years, he studied theology, also at Tolentine. He was ordained to the priesthood November 21, 1966.

After completing his theological studies, he was assigned to Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, where he served as teacher and librarian. He earned a Master's degree in library science from Villanova University in 1968.

During those years he also began to work as a hospital chaplain, a ministry that would be a significant part of his life at various times for many years after that. He completed two quarters of Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Michigan Hospital in 1971-72.

Father Gardella was transferred to Immaculate Conception/St. Henry Parish, St. Louis, Missouri in 1975. He was named Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community there. In addition, he served as associate pastor of the parish as well as a member of the Novitiate formation team.

He was assigned to St. John Stone Friary, Chicago in 1983. There he was Prior and a member of the formation team. During his time in Chicago, Father Gardella also served on various Province Commissions for the Augustinians, including the Parish Commission and the Province Renewal Team.

Because of his love for hospital ministry, Father Gardella returned to St. Louis in 1985, where he served as chaplain at St. John Mercy Hospital. He was also appointed treasurer of the Immaculate Conception/St. Henry Community.

He returned to his native Detroit in 1996 to be chaplain at Bon Secours Hospital. He was named Director of Pastoral Care at Providence Hospital in 1998. He continued in that ministry, residing at St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, until the time of his death on August 17, 2001, the feast of St. Clare of Montefalco.

Father Gardella is remembered for his compassion and deep sense of conviction. Many people sought him out because of his giftedness-he was a caring man who knew how to be supportive and caring of others, especially in time of need. He exhibited a deep concern for community life and the welfare of his fellow Augustinians.

He is buried in the Augustinian Plot at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Detroit.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.