Albert E. "Skip" LaFreniere

Albert E. {Skip} LaFreniere of Gardner, MA passed away peacefully at his home on January 19, 2026 after a short illness surrounded by his family.

He was born in Fitchburg, MA on November 29, 1941 to Albert and Corinne (Hamel) LaFreniere.  Albert, or “Skip” as he was fondly known by his family and friends from Townsend, attended schools in Somerville, St. Francis Seminary in Lowell, and graduated from Spaulding Memorial School in Townsend, MA in 1959.

He met his wife, Linda Bradley in high school while in study hall. They both agreed it was love at first sight. They were married on December 10,1960 and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last month. Skip served in the US Navy from 1959-1962. He served on the USS Barry DD933. The USS Barry was the first ship to intervene with a Russian ship during the Cuban Missile Crisis.     

Al and Linda relocated the family to Gardner where he owned and operated the South Gardner Market. He worked as a salesman for Harlen and Sons Liquor Co. and later as National Sales Manager for Bil-Jac Pet Foods, Inc, Medina, Ohio, traveling and making new friends across the country and Canada.

After his retirement from Bil-Jac, Skip and his son Duane became the owners of the Carriage House Restaurant in Winchendon, MA, where the customers became like family. He could usually be found in his seat at the end of the bar – ready to tell a story, talk politics, or enjoy a Manhattan. The Carriage House became a hub for the entire LaFreniere family and countless friends of Al's for 17 years until its closure in 2021. 

He was an avid golfer and belonged to the Gardner Golf Course.  He was a member of the American Legion. He was often found at the Elks and was a past Exalted Ruler at the Gardner Lodge of Elks. He quietly donated to many charities that supported children.

He loved holiday gatherings with his children and grandchildren and going on long drives to visit old friends or find new adventures. He vacationed in his “home away from home” in Stowe, Vermont for more than 35 years, making lifelong friends with locals and countless cherished memories with family and friends.

He is survived by six children, Susan Alario and Michael; Duane LaFreniere and Tammy; John LaFreniere; Gary LaFreniere and Kristine Woods; Denise Ulrich; Steven LaFreniere and Mary, and eight grandchildren; Jacob, Michael Jr ,Christina, Emily, Erica, Andrew, Nathan, Ryan.

He is survived by one brother, Danny LaFreniere and his wife Janet of Woburn, MA.  He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Walter LaFreniere of Woburn, MA.

Calling hours for All will be Held on Friday, January 23,2026 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at the MACK FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, GARDNER CHAPEL 105  CENTRAL ST. GARDNER,MA followed by a Mass at Annunciation Parish Church, 135 Nichols St. Gardner,MA  All friends and relatives are welcome to attend.