Bradley Adam Gardner

Bradley Adam Gardner, age 48, of Rochester, New York, passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac event on July 3, 2026. Brad is predeceased by his father, John Gardner. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Zinck Gardner, his son, Jonah Gardner; his mother, Martha Pruitt (Dennis); his sister, Molly Burke (Tommy); his bonus mom, Amma Gardner; a slew of nieces and nephews, and his wife's extended family who adored him. 

Brad began his career in the restaurant industry, traveling throughout the Midwest to help open numerous Abuela’s Mexican Restaurants. Over the years, he worked in both the kitchen and management for several restaurants.

 It was while serving as a manager at The Distillery that Brad met the love of his life, Becky. From the very beginning, he knew she was someone special, and their connection quickly grew into something lasting and true. Brad and Becky shared the kind of love that people spend their lives hoping to find. They were not just husband and wife; they were best friends, partners, and each other’s home. Together, they shared more than half of Becky’s life, building a marriage rooted in friendship, laughter, unwavering love, and countless memories that will be cherished forever. Even after all their years together, they still lit up when the other walked into a room. Their connection was effortless, deep, and undeniable—the kind of love that made it feel as though they were always meant to be together, and never meant to walk through this life apart. 

Twelve years ago, Brad joined Facilicare, where his dedication, work ethic, and natural leadership led him to the role of Operations Manager. He earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him and was genuinely loved by his coworkers.

Brad was the kind of man everyone hoped to have in their corner. If something was broken, he could fix it. If it didn’t exist, chances are he could picture it in his mind and build it from scratch. Whether he was woodworking, solving a problem, or tackling a project (that Becky volunteered him for), there seemed to be no challenge too difficult for his hands or his mind. Yet for all of his talent, Brad remained remarkably humble. He never sought recognition or praise. Instead, he quietly used his gifts to help family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers whenever they needed him.

If you knew Brad, you knew helping you usually came with a little grief. He loved giving people a hard time, teasing them with his quick wit and mischievous sense of humor. He was a prankster at heart, and took great joy in catching family, friends, and coworkers off guard with one of his jokes. He also had an uncanny knack for being right, and anyone who knew him did everything they could to avoid admitting it—because once Brad knew he was right, you were never going to hear the end of it. His laughter was contagious, and he had a way of making life’s hard work feel lighter.

Outside of work, Brad found happiness in the things he loved most: woodworking, fishing, music, and his RC cars. Whatever he did, he gave it his full attention and his whole heart.

One of Brad’s greatest joys was being a father to his son, Jonah. He loved him deeply and was incredibly proud of the young man he was becoming. Brad challenged Jonah, teased him, and expected the best from him—not because he was hard on him, but because he believed in him. Every lesson, every joke, and every piece of advice came from a place of love and a desire to see his son succeed.

Above all else, Brad loved deeply. Besides being a devoted husband and proud father, Brad was a loyal father, friend, brother and son; He and his sister, Molly, had a one-of-a-kind relationship. Brad made people feel safe. He became part of Becky’s family from the very beginning, and they quickly came to love him as one of their own.

Brad’s legacy is found not only in the things he built with his hands, but in the lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, humor, and unwavering love. He showed those around him that the measure of a person isn’t found in recognition, but in the quiet ways they show up for others. Though he will be deeply missed every day, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Brad’s life is scheduled for Monday, August 17th in the late afternoon at the Curry Building in Webster. Details to follow.

The world is a little less funny, and a little less bright without Brad in it!