Michael C. Gardner, 80, of Pittsburgh died early Sunday morning.

He had escaped from his homeland of Bulgaria as the curtain of Communist oppression descended there and became a hero by helping others to escape with him.

After moving to Pittsburgh, he became the secretary-treasurer of Teamster Union Local 926 for more than 30 years, retiring in 1995.

He then retired to the country to accommodate his love for gardening.

He was the beloved husband of Pam Taylor Gardner, who he married July 25, 1980. He also will be dearly missed by his four children, Cindee, Michael, Danny and Christopher; and 10 grandchildren, Brandon, Christopher, Timothy, Shana, Jenna, Anthony, Abigail, Cody, Brendan and Damien.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Savage Gardner.

<B>GARDNER</B> — A gathering of family and friends to celebrate the life of Michael C. Gardner, who died Sunday, April 10, 2011, will be held later.Arrangements are through the <B>Geibel Funeral Home</B>, Butler, and additional information is available and condolence messages can be left at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.