Walter Joseph Hardy “Gunny” entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 75 years old and lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was the last of the sons born to Walter “Sonny” Hardy and Helen Hardy Lindberg. He was also step-son to the late Cpt. Horace Lindberg. He is survived by his wife, Jessie Freeland-Hardy and his five children, Rachel M. Calabrese and her husband, Gregory, of Foxboro Mass, Rebecca A. Cataldo of Lithia, Florida, Michael J. Hardy and his wife Ashley of Riverview, FL, David J. Hardy and his wife Brittany of Brandon, FL and Sarah L. Hardy of Brandon, FL. He also leaves behind two step-daughters, Katie Freeland and Rachel Freeland as well as his dear brother-in-law, Joel Sconberg. Gunny also leaves behind ten loving grandchildren, Holly, Jack and his wife Maria, Kasey, Ben, Sadie, Jamie, Lucy, Kassius, Karter and Violet. Mr. Hardy also leaves behind his sisters Janet Morse and Joan Farr, brothers Randall Lindberg, Robert Lindberg, Michael Lindberg and the late Bobby and John “Jackie” Hardy. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Walt was a true patriot, career military man, and Vietnam veteran. During his extensive career he attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine corps and received multiple medals, ribbons, and many other outstanding accolades. Among these were the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Citation w/2 Stars, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal w/3 Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/5 Stars, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation w/Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device, and many other commendations and achievements. After combat in Vietnam, Walter was hand selected for the honor to serve in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band due to his musical abilities and mastery of the drums. Working his way up to the role of Drum Major, he performed music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. This exclusive unit was founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, and the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Mr. Hardy, in his later years, worked for WEDU in Tampa and later began his own catering business, Canteen Catering. Mr. Hardy was a proud Catholic and served as a Eucharistic minister as well as in Kairos prison ministry.  He was a brilliant dancer and taught ballroom dancing for many years as well as a talented drummer and percussionist and served in many music ministries. Gunny will be greatly missed for his one-of-a-kind laugh, loyal friendship and great love for his family and friends. The family would like to thanks HPH Hospice, (Chapters Healthcare) especially Kellee and Jessica for their wonderful care.  Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 3pm, followed by funeral services at Dobies Funeral Home at 701 E Tarpon Ave in Tarpon Springs. Military honor services will be at a later date.