Gary R. Albert, 80

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. —  Gary Richard Albert passed away on March 6th from Mesothelioma. His family was by his side the whole time making sure that he was as comfortable as possible. It was important for his children and grandchildren to show him the same level of love and care that he had shown them all their lives.

Born to Burton Albert and Isabel (Deming) Albert on July 16,1943, he was the youngest of three boys who throughout life, frequently ribbed each other about which one of them was their mother’s favorite.

Gary was the kind of guy that got people laughing. He was always quick with a joke and his impeccable wit made him so much fun to be around. was a stone mason and owned several businesses over the years. It was very typical to drive down the street with our dad throughout the Berkshires and he would point and say, “Daddy built that”. He and his son Jeff started Albert and Son Masonry in 1987. Masonry work is back-breaking artwork when done well. was known for this rare talent, and he passed that skill along to his son Jeff whose own stone and brick work is something to behold!

The businesses owned were Gary Albert’s Masonry, Albert’s Housekeeping Cottages and Warren Albert Liquor Store all located in Lanesborough. In 1979, he turned the liquor store into Ye Olde Forge Tavern, a famous property that had been in his family for over 100 years. He was visionary and brought in over a hundred imported beers long before microbrews were cool. He was very proud of his daughter Terry who invented the chicken-wing recipe which went on to win numerous awards. He made sure everything was homemade and of high quality while still being affordable. Today it remains a well-known spot in the community.

He was a lifetime member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Local No.3 and a lifetime member of the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department. He was passionate about the Town of Lanesborough and donated his time and his trade skills over the years including building the firehouse and the Water Department, Laston Field, and repairing town graveyards including the resting place of Humorist Josh Billings.

Gary was widowed in 2019. Marion (Brewer) Albert was the love of his life. They had a wide circle of friends and lived life while enjoying dinners out, going to the beach, and taking trips on their own and with friends. Family dinners and good cooking were ever present. Gary became quite the cook and baker over the years. Not only did family reap the benefits, so did many of his friends at Condron’s, John’s Building Supply, and Adam Ross Stone. Gary also brought grills and microwaves to job sites and made stews and chili or flipped burgers bringing construction-site cuisine to a whole new level. Everyone including half the neighborhood enjoyed his oatmeal cookies, penuche fudge, toffee, pecan short bread, and deluxe nut brittle.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, his beautiful wife Marion (Brewer) Albert and his daughters Corrine Doris Albert and Terry (Albert) Durlack, and his brother Leland.

Gary leaves behind his daughters Sherry Albert and Sheri (Matt) Quinn, sons Jeffrey (Darlene) Albert and Greg (Shealyn) Albert; son-in-law Kevin Durlack; grandchildren Marston (Bailey Stokes) Albert; Samantha Quinn, Meaghan (George) Cox, Nikki Durlack, Amanda Quinn, Maddie Albert, Trevor Albert, Derek Albert and great grandchild Benjamin Daunais; his older brother Burton (Lois) Albert, Jr.; nieces Heather (Michael) Dyer and Kelley Albert in addition to a wonderful extended family and too many friends to count!

Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Proprietor’s Lodge, 22 Waubeek Rd, Pittsfield, MA on Monday, March 11, 2024 from Noon to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lanesborough Fire Department, PO Box 1556, Lanesborough, MA 01237 in Gary’s memory. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com