Jay L. Gardiner

Gardiner, Jay L. of South Setauket, NY and Bonita Beach, FL passed away on October 15, 2021 after a hard fight against cancer.  Born in the Bronx, NY in 1951, he lived in Queens and Manhattan before moving to South Setauket in 1986.

He is survived by his wife, soulmate and best friend, Diane (Mush).  He is also survived by 4 children Shawn (Marggorie), Sarah, Evan (Kristy), and Jeremy (Carly), three beautiful grandchildren (Zoe, Colton, and Jack) as well as Cassidy and Buddy, two very loyal Jack Russell terriers.

Jay received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CUNY Queens College and an MBA in management from Stern School of Graduate Business Administration from NYU in 1986.

A well-known figure in the plastics industry, having founded Gardiner Plastics in 1991, he was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2012.  The company became a well-known resin distributor and strategic consulting service.  He also was a Distinguished Member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, having served as President from 1996-1997.  He also was president of the Plastics Academy, Chair of the Plastics Institute of America, the Plastics Pioneers Association, and member of the Board of the National Plastics Center and Museum.

Jay had a lifelong passion for emergency medical services as both a volunteer and educator.  He served with The Setauket Fire Department for over 30 years and in numerous positions including EMS Director and Lieutenant.  His last five years he served as a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners and chaired that board for the last three years.  He taught at Suffolk County Community College and attained the rank of associate professor.  He also served on the New York State EMS regional faculty, the training center faculty of Saint Francis Hospital, and several other institutions.  He chaired the Suffolk County Regional EMS Association from 2012-2013.  He believed that his best learning came from his students, many of which went onto careers in medicine, and he was very proud of that.

Jay was an avid golfer and sports fan, following the New York Yankees, Islanders, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Notre Dame football.  His greatest love however was spending time with his Diane, traveling, dining, playing golf and visiting places all over the world.  His only regret what was not having enough time to finish his life with those that he loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.