Thomas Robert Gardi

Thomas “Tom” Gardi (January 24, 1968 – April 13, 2026), founder of We Do Teak, lifelong mariner and master craftsman, passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of passion and dedication.

Tom built an extraordinary career from his deep love of the sea. Earning his U.S. Coast Guard Master’s License in 1997, he operated more than 30 vessels, logging over 200,000 nautical miles across 20 countries. He made Stuart, Florida, his home port, where he built his life and career. Tom was both an accomplished captain and master woodworker. An artist in boat building, he combined a keen eye for design with meticulous attention to detail. As founder of We Do Teak, he played a key role in building custom boats and established a highly regarded business known as the East Coast’s premier source for high-end teak decking. He was respected for his knowledge and leadership throughout the industry, including at the helm of One More Time, one of the fastest sport fishing yachts of its time. A passionate fisherman, Tom spent years alongside top anglers from Cape Cod to Mexico, Bermuda and the Bahamas. Tom’s journey began at age 16 in a small cabinet shop in New Jersey, where he discovered his passion for woodworking. He later founded his own furniture and cabinetry business before combining his craftsmanship with his love of the sea—a calling rooted in his childhood on the Jersey Shore.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Tom was devoted to his family and a fiercely loyal friend. With a larger-than-life personality, he enjoyed sailing, music, dirt bikes and everything Scotland. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, traditional values, and the respect he earned from all who knew him. Above all, he will be remembered for the life he built doing what he loved and for the impact he had on those around him.

Tom is survived by his partner, Joanne Fatigate; her daughter, Danielle (Doug) and her son, Adam (Danielle); his grandchildren, Anabelle, Madeleine, Ella and Barry; his father, Thomas Gardi; his sisters, Carrie Fyock (Tim) and Christine Cowie; his niece, Monet; and his nephews, Timmy (fiancée Mikayla) and Chris, along with many cherished family members and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Eileen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (hstc1.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).

“Home is the sailor, home from sea.”