Albert Gallardo
Bethalto |
Albert Gonzalez Gallardo, 86, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, at his residence. He was born on March 5, 1937, in Greely, Colorado, the son of the late Gabino and Mary (Gonzalez) Gallardo. He married the former Judith Ann Cain on October 10, 1970, in Denver, Colorado, and she preceded him in death on March 15, 2013. Survivors include his daughters: Elizabeth (Randy) Jimenez of Lakewood, Colorado, Pilar Gallardo of Bethalto, Illinois, Lori Legler of Parker, Colorado, and Cynthia Wilson of Moro, Illinois, sons: David (Michelle) Gallardo of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Stephen Gallardo of San Antonio, Texas. He has thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He has one surviving sister: Ruth Gallardo of Mitchell, Nebraska, and he was preceded in death by sister, Florinda Villar of Scottsbluff, Colorado, and brother: Gabino Gallardo, Jr. of Mitchell, Nebraska. He has many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends that he cherished.
Albert was employed at the Shell Chemical Plant in Denver, Colorado prior to coming to work at Shell Oil in South Roxana, Illinois. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served from 1956 to 1959. He was well known for his big smile, infectious laugh, and beautiful heart. He loved to dance, play practical jokes, and fix all things broken. He was a permanent fixture at Villa Rose Senior Living Community and an internet sensation, thanks to his daughter, Pilar, recording their conversations. He loved collecting other people’s stuff, doing sudoku puzzles, and drinking vodka. LOTS of vodka. And he absolutely loved his wife, Judy, and showed all his children and grandkids what true love really could be.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 10am to 1pm on Monday, February 5, 2024, Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Following visitation and in accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Inurnment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials are suggested to the Villa Rose Senior Living Community Activity Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home
