Alfred E. “Al” Garde, 94, of New Eagle, formerly of Donora, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at his home, with his loving family by his side. He was born June 27, 1928, in Donora, son of the late Timothy H. Garde and the late Anna Gould Garde. Al was Roman Catholic by faith and a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish. He was a veteran, serving with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Husband, father, uncle, brother, coach and friend; to say that this world has lost a great man is an understatement. His deep faith, love of his family and commitment to fairness were unprecedented. He was a longtime coach of Little League, midget football and high school basketball. Al was a lifetime resident of the Valley. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of The Knights of Columbus. He graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in physical education and coaching. Although he aspired to be a teacher, life detoured him to the trucking industry. He eventually became a terminal manager for Ligon Inc., where he continued until retirement. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Damon Garde; a brother, Thomas “Hank” Garde; and three sisters, Sister Mary Timothy Garde CSJ, Sister Mariana Garde CSJ and Sister Kathleen Garde CSJ. Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Rita Greco Garde; two daughters, Marybeth (John) Simpson of Monongahela and Kathy (Robert McCaffery) Garde of Wash.; four sons, Tim (Jill) Garde of Texas, Kennedy Garde of Texas, Patrick Garde of Texas and James (Toni) Garde of Texas; eight grandchildren, Lauren, Sarah, Nick, Ian, Michael, Matti, Gabbi and Noah; and three great-grandchildren, Maya, Harper and Damon. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Donora Campus. Interment will follow at Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Al’s name may be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 1 Park Manor Road, Donora, PA 15033, or to the Alzheimer’s Association Pittsburgh Office, 2835 E. Carson St., Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.
