Nathaniel (Natty) Eleazer Gardiner was born to Hannibal Nathaniel Gardiner and Maybelle Norris Simmons on April 17, 1958, in Montclair, New Jersey. He resided in Bloomfield, New Jersey all his life.

Natty attended Fairview Elementary School, South Junior High School, and graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1976. He had various delivery jobs and worked at the Port of Newark as an Auto Transporter of New Vehicles. He was raised as a member of First Baptist Church of Nutley, New Jersey under the late Pastor Lawrence Roberts. Later Natty joined Silver Lake Baptist Church Belleville, NJ under the Pastor David Vincent Milano, who led him to Christ. He was baptized and for 20+ years Natty remained a faithful member attending Sunday services and Wednesday night Bible Study which he enjoyed. He loved the Lord and every morning he started his day reading the bible over a cup of coffee.

Natty had a quiet humble spirit about himself. He also had a unique gift from God, he was musically inclined and could play by ear any instrument. His passion and what he was well known for was playing the guitar. He played at many venues and shows in Atlantic City, Pennsylvania, New York, etc. He inspired so many people through his singing and playing the guitar. Some of the Bands he played in are Lipstick Magazine, Gandalf, Mother's Creation, etc. Natty also taught many people how to play the drums, guitar, keyboard, etc. His favorite oldies but goodies comedy show was the Jackie Gleason Honeymooners. Natty's other hobby was swimming, especially at his brother (Wayne's) home, or his nephew Derrell's home for the annual summer barbecues, he was the first one there, first one in the pool and first one to eat. He loved his family and couldn't wait for our family holiday barbecues and dinner parties.

Natty departed this life for a better place with God on Sunday March 26, 2023. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Hannibal and Maybelle Gardiner, two siblings Natalie and Sharon Gardiner. He is survived by his six siblings: Lana Sprott, (Fred), Dorothy Downey, Brenda Brantley, Denise J. Singleton (George), Prudence Gardiner, Wayne Gardiner (Ivette), Freddie Harris (Uncle), Lily Dennis (Aunt), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, three special friends who were like brothers to Natty: Vinnie Corbo, Eddie Abraham, and Nat Petronaci.