Maurice L. Gardner, III "Mick", of Stoneham, formerly of Melrose, died unexpectedly on February 29, 2016 at the age of 56. Mick was born & raised in Melrose and a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1977. He went on to receive his Welding Certificate at Whittier Technical School in Haverhill and also a Certificate in Organic Gardening. Mick resided in Stoneham and Melrose for many years. He worked as a Candy Maker for Putnam Pantry in Danvers for 14 years and had a passion for food, cooking, barbequing and making his famous ribs. Mick enjoyed spending time with his friends camping and golf trips to Myrtle Beach, SC and Arizona. He loved to make people laugh, tell jokes, put a smile on your face and was the friendliest guy you'd ever meet. Mick loved lighthouses, getting people together and spending Christmas with his family. He was the loving father of Erica D. (Gardner) Marshall of Haverhill, Sara M. (Gardner) McNair of Bolton and Maurice L. "Mick" Gardner IV, of Haverhill. Cherished grandfather of Angelis, Avian, Aaliyana, Aiden, Maurice V "Reece" and Bryce. Devoted son of the late Maurice & Esther (Despart) Gardner. Caring brother of Stephen Gardner of RI, Paula Ciampa of Stoneham, Trisha Pozerski of NH and the late Esther & David Gardner. Also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tuesday, March 8th from 4-7PM with a prayer service at 7PM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to help Mick's family with funeral expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/y7saa7wc.