West Windsor, N.J. – Patrick Gardner was working as a security officer at a Hunterdon County hospital when he became drawn to one particular aspect of his job: assisting in the care and safe handling of deceased patients.

“Unfortunately, it ended up being an important part of my job, especially during the pandemic," Gardner recalls. "I was dealing with the deceased every day.” In the process, he interacted regularly with Christopher Knoll, the manager of Martin Funeral Home (Clinton, N.J.). Before he knew it, Gardner was assisting at the home.

“My first official duty was a middle-of-the-night house call. I arrived in a suit in 15 minutes. Mr. Knoll saw that I was professional, dependable and trustworthy,” Gardner says.

When Knoll bought a second funeral home, he suggested that Patrick consider becoming a funeral director. He even helped Patrick pay for his schooling.

A 2016 graduate of Rutgers University with his B.A. in Criminal Justice, Gardner explains that his original goal was to work in law enforcement. “But when I was presented with this opportunity, I jumped on it.” He has worked as an intern for the funeral home since 2017.

Gardner says he has experienced tremendous growth since he began studying in MCCC's Funeral Services program  in Fall 2020. His first year included his program prerequisites – science, math, and business – which he was able to complete on Zoom during the shutdown. That flexibility enabled him to continue working full-time.

With the college reopening in person in Fall 2021, Gardner was able to attend all his Funeral Service classes on campus. “It has been so much more than sitting in a classroom. It’s something I’m passionate about. I haven’t missed a single class – except when my son was born in December,” he said.

Gardner's enthusiasm and dedication are evident in his grades. He graduates with highest honors.

Gardner recalls Assistant Professor Geralda Aldajuste as simply amazing. “She was a wealth of knowledge, and she chose to share it with us. She is an author, pastor, and active in the field. And she still had time to review our tests and answer our questions,” he said.

Gardner developed strong ties with his Mercer classmates. “The bond we have is great. I look forward to reaching out to them when I have questions or need help. I have complete faith in them.” Together, they got active in the campus chapter of Sigma Phi Sigma, the national funeral service fraternity for students.

“I have learned how to run a business, as well as understand legal concerns, and the hands-on care for the deceased. I have learned how to approach families and respect their wishes,” he said, noting that every family is different. “I see this work as a privilege. Families entrust me with the care of their loved one.”

Following graduation, Gardner and his classmates will prepare for state and national certification exams. He is confident that he is well prepared. “A co-worker went through the Mercer program, and he passed the first time. He told me, ‘Review what you’ve learned at Mercer, and you will be fine.’”

 

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Funeral Service graduate Patrick Gardner