Albert J. “Al” Ardolino, 84 of Medford, died on Saturday after a long illness.
A life long resident of Medford, and the son of the late Regina (Swirbalus) and Albert Ardolino.
Albert was a retired Lieutenant with the Medford Fire Department. He started with the department in 1953 and retired in 1988. He was with Engine 1, 2, and 5, Rescue One and Ladder 1. He was the recipient of the Medal of Honor, Fire Fighter of the Year award for the rescue of a child from a burning building in January 1977. Al was also an experienced Tool and Die maker. He also was employed for 10 years with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Draper Laboratory as a part time machinist. He worked on projects for guidance systems and services performed on N.A.S.A. projects and received the Apollo Achievement Award. Under a government granted fund project with staff advisor, Dr. David Donaldson, at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston was instrumental in the research and development of fungus camera for photographing back section of eyes for damage and disease.
Al was a Dive Rescue Specialist MA#105 and scuba diver instructor at the Somerville School of Diving.
A member of Amature Athelic Union, New England Associate for long distance running. He has participated for many years in the Boston and New York Marathon and has ran the Bermuda 14 mile race. For many years has volunteer at the Pine St. Inn. A late U.S. Navy veteran of WW II, Korea and the Cuban Missile Crisis and served on the Intrepid.
Albert attended Medford Vocational High School 1938-1941 honor student, Wentworth Institute Machine shop and pattern making 941-1942, Navy and University Extension courses for Aircraft Maintenance 1960-1970, North Shore Community College in Beverly for fire science 1968-1970, Mass Bay Community College Watertown 1970-1976 Honor Student and awarded Associate Degree in Fire Science, University of Massachusetts 1976-1982 Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety.
Beloved husband of Ethel (Irwin) Ardolino. Devoted father of Ellen Evensen of Scituate, and Ann Briand of Sagamore Beach. Loving grandfather of Michael, Michele, and Mandy. Loving great grandfather of Alexa, Hannah, Cameron, and Brenna. Brother of Ruth Regan of Florida, Regina Newell of Lexington, and the late Ernest Ardolino.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Thursday at 8 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden, at 9 AM.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Visiting hours Wednesday 4 thru 8.
Services will conclude with burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent in Albert’s name to the Children's Hospital Boston, One Autumn Street #731, Boston, MA 02215.