Arthur V. Gardy

Colonie – Arthur V. Gardy, 86, of Colonie, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family.

It was an honor to know and be loved by Arthur “Art” Vincent Gardy. As a beloved husband, father, son, brother, Poppy, great-grandfather, and friend, he was someone everyone wanted to be around. As the patriarch of our large family, he was our beacon of strength, a role model, and our rock during even the most challenging of times.

His sense of humor, support, and wisdom made him a light guiding the way for his family. A light that burned bright, one you could always count on to lead the way. A light that will never go out in the hearts and minds of those who had the good fortune of being loved by him.

Art and his wife, Mary Ellen, met at a park when they were 14 years old. This past July, they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Together, they’ve nurtured a family of four children, 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Their love for one another will far outlive the time they spent on earth together.

Art was an avid golfer, expert meatball maker, star baseball player (back in the day), football fan, and could be found on his swing on the back deck, playing catch with his great-grandsons, drinking a Heineken at a family party, and then sneaking out early with a piece of cake.

There is no doubt that one of his most proud titles was “Poppy.” A grandfather who tried to play tough, but was kind, accepting, supportive, loving and always showed up. Witty, he could take our sarcasm and dish it right back. A man whose word was his word, who put his family before all, never took life for granted, and cherished every moment he was able to spend with his grandchildren. The man we all wanted to make proud. The man we all wanted to make laugh. We will never forget his laugh.

Art spent his last days fighting to live, surrounded by love. He was the strongest man any of us had ever known. He wasn’t ready to go, but God called him home. The truth is, no amount of time would’ve ever been long enough to have him here with us.

The Gardy-O’Connell-Palmer-Fisher family wishes to express our gratitude for the compassionate care of Art and the kindness shown to all of us by the cardiology and ICU teams at Albany Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Gardy, children Fran (Dave) O'Connell, Marc (Sue) Gardy, Jacqueline (Todd) Palmer, and Jennifer (Scott) Fisher.

Predeceased by his parents Anthony and Frances Gardy, and his brother Sam Gardy. Survived by his siblings Bob (Marilyn) Gardy, Jane Barcomb, Pat Porcaro, Jack (Elaine) Gardy, and Bill Gardy.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Art’s family on Saturday morning from 10 to 11:30 am at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. Funeral services will commence at 11:30 am  at the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com