Albert S. Gebo, born Aug. 7, 1941, passed away June 5, 2019, after a 15-year battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He was the only son of Albert F. and Ethel Gebo, born and raised in Pittsfield. He graduated from Pittsfield High School, then went to technical school to become a welder. He married Jennie Fields Nov. 10, 1962.
Al and Jennie moved to Connecticut where Al worked for Pratt and Whitney and the couple had their three children Tamera, Tanya and John. Feeling the Berkshires was a wonderful place to raise their children, they decided to move back home and Al started working for Southern Berkshire Welding. Before retiring he started a business called Weekend Seat Chair Repair. Having finally found his niche in life, this amazing artist repaired and restored Shaker, cane, rush and wicker chairs/furniture dating back to the 1850s.
Al enjoyed all sorts of sporting activities, and his most defining moments were returning to speed skating in his late 60s and early 70s. He was able to train at Berkshire School and the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club. Seven years into his battle with CLL, he fulfilled a life-long dream and was able to skate on the Oval at Lake Placid.
Al was incredibly proud of his children and six grandchildren Jessica and Ashley LaCosse and Olivia, Malcolm, Maeve and Emma Wilber.
The family members extend their deepest gratitude and thanks to Dr. Deleo and all of his staff at Berkshire Oncology and the Transfusion Center at Hillcrest for taking care of Al for so long, thus allowing him to work and walk until two weeks before he passed away. Al’s dear friends Fred and Norman not only helped him with chairs when he could not do it, but were a wonderful source of conversation and fun both in and out of the shop. Thanks to all the folks at Pop’s Diner, who helped him through the wee hours of the morning when he could sleep no longer. Last but not least, thanks to all the Critical Care staff at BMC who took such amazing care of Al in the final days of his life.
There will be a private burial Friday, July 12, and a memorial service Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 10 a.m. at the Congregational Church in Sheffield. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
