Wednesday
December 18th, 2024
2:08AM
Arthur “Bob” Wardell, age 83, of Buford, GA passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2024.
Bob was born on December 18, 1940 to parents June (Lawrence) and Arthur Wardell in Newark, New Jersey. Bob attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Nutley, NJ and later graduated from Nutley High School in 1959.
A salesman his entire life, Bob launched a printing business while still in school. Upon graduation, he started his career at A.B. Dick and stayed in the printing business for years before moving on to medical sales in the early 1980s.
In 1955 Bob met the love of his life, Caryl Barbata, and they were married in 1962 in Nutley. Caryl and Bob had three children—Wendy, Jeff, and Jennifer, who were all delighted to celebrate their parents’ 62nd wedding anniversary last year. Bob was a devoted family man who took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He supported and attended their many activities and was always the biggest fan at their sporting events. He was the patriarch everyone could count on—for anything, be it emotional, financial or even manual labor! There was nothing Bob wouldn’t do or sacrifice for those he loved, and always with a glad heart.
Bob was creative, a visionary with an entrepreneurial mindset, and endless ideas. He absolutely loved people and never turned down the opportunity to make a new friend. His family and friends will always remember his infectious laugh, and generous, utterly selfless spirit. Bob and Caryl regularly had an open door for those in need. Bob’s trademark was clever sarcasm and a keen wit, but always with a genuine smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He excelled at getting a laugh to go along with his own. And he knew how to cook! Whether as host or a guest, Bob could invariably be counted on to get the “good groceries” and make them delicious!
An avid car enthusiast, Bob owned and treasured Corvettes and classic cars throughout his lifetime. He was a supporter of the Special Olympics and coordinated a large event in Medina, OH. Bob was a patriotic American who took immense pride in the service of his son, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Wardell (retired, US Air Force), and he reveled in sharing stories of Jeff’s achievements. He was a strong supporter of military programs and organized military fundraisers, as well as being a member of the VFW, American Legion Post 127 in Sugar Hill, GA.
In 2023 Bob retired from his medical equipment company and spent his spare time playing poker with friends, fishing on Lake Lanier, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, and spending time with his cherished family.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father and sister, Margaret “Margie” Haven. He leaves behind a loving and grateful family, including his beloved Caryl, children Wendy Hendrickson and Steve Volino of Gainesville, GA; Jeff and Suzanne Wardell of Gainesville, GA; and Jennifer and Vernon Smith, of Decatur, GA; as well as his sister June DiSimone of Nutley, NJ and brother John Wardell of Delray Beach, FL. Bob’s grandchildren were an abiding joy in his life and “Papa” will be greatly missed by them-- Ryan Hendrickson, Lauren Wardell, Alexis Wardell, Owen Smith, great-grandsons Bennett King and Graham Hendrickson, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 16th in the afternoon in the Buford area. Location and details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, an organization Bob strongly supported.
To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.
