CHICOPEE – Albert C. “Al” Gardner, Sr., 87, of the Willimansett section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Saturday, February 17, 2018. He passed into Eternal Life at Wingate at West Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Swanton, Vermont on February 7, 1931, a beloved son of the late Louis N. Gardner, Jr. and Dorothy (Frederick) Gardner. He was raised in Swanton and later lived in St. Albans, Vermont before moving to Chicopee in 1955 where he lived the remainder of his life. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Corporal. He was last employed at Storms Drop Forge in Springfield and had previously worked at Chicopee Manufacturing, which later became Facemate. He was a lifetime member of the Fairview Knights of Columbus Council No. 4044 and a member of the Fairview American Legion Post 438, both in Chicopee. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and his many friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Arlene M. (Richard) Gardner. They were married on October 8, 1951 at Holy Angels Church in St. Albans, VT and were blessed with over 66 years of happiness together. He also leaves his seven loving children, Albert Gardner, Jr. and his wife, Jeanne, of Vero Beach, FL, David Gardner and his wife, Sue, of Windsor, CT, Richard Gardner and his wife, Sandy, of East Longmeadow, Ann Fortin and her husband, Robert, of West Springfield, Linda Szadek and her husband, Mitchell, of Chicopee, Kelly Kazimierczak of Feeding Hills and John Gardner of Chicopee; his 21 cherished grandchildren and 22 cherished great grandchildren; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Gardner and Richard families. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his cherished granddaughter, Melissa; and his dear son-in-law, Roman. Family and friends are invited to attend a Prayer Service on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 10:30 a.m.). His Committal Service with United States Army Military Honors will follow the Prayer Service at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com