Richard J. Gardella, 88, of Great Barrington, died Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at his home. He was born in Great Barrington on November 8, 1936, the son of Charles E. and Rose (Guarnieri) Gardella.
Richard graduated from the former Searles High School with the class of 1954. After high school, he went on to Westfield State College, and after college, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Richard worked for 30 years as a police officer and another 20-plus as a detail officer for the Town of Great Barrington. While working as a police officer, he was a contractor installing Alcor Gutters that many establishments and homes in the local area still have up due to Richard’s meticulous attention to detail.
Richard loved going on road trips to Virginia Beach to visit his daughter Rina, drives through the country, going out to eat, and maintaining his park-like lawn.
Richard is survived by his daughter Rina Gardella and her fiancé Adam Morelli; his nephews, Mark Gardella and Mike Gardella; his cousin John Guarnieri; his godson Victor J. Zucco; several other nieces and nephews; and his favorite German Shepherd, Josie Girl. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Charles A. Gardella and Louis J. Gardella, and his sister Norma Palmer.
Funeral services for Richard J. Gardella will be held on Thursday, October 9, at 1 p.m., at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230, with Fr. William P. Murphy officiating. Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Saint Peter’s Cemetery with James Bradgon, Victor Zucco, Adam Carlotto, Adam Morelli, Joseph O’Brien, and Timothy Roy acting as bearers. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Richard’s memory may be made to the Great Barrington Police Association in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through the funeral home’s website.
