William Patrick Gardner, né Gorzelski, a world traveler and connoisseur of cultures, who was most often described as "delightful," passed away Sunday, Feb. 12, at Keystone House hospice in Wyndmoor, PA, after a brave battle with gastric cancer. Born Feb. 27, 1953, he died just before his 70 ^th birthday.

William, the son of the late Vincent Gorzelski and Sadie Gorzelski of Locust Valley, NY, graduated in 1971 from Locust Valley High School and later received B.A. degrees in English and in Anthropology from the University of California at Berkeley. He had a long career in the hospitality and travel industries and spent many years in sales and customer service at United Airlines and later at USAirways, which became part of American Airlines. His most recent posting was at Philadelphia Airport, and he lived in nearby Collingswood, NJ.

He is survived by a sister, Patricia Gorzelski Naples of Northport, NY, three nephews and one niece. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Gorzelski Pellicci.

Burial will at St. Bridget's Cemetery in Housatonic, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the University of California at Berkeley.

Arrangements entrusted to The Oliver H. Bair Co.  (610) 449-8585