Albert F. Gargano, retired investigator

Albert F. “Big Al” Gargano Jr., 65, went home to be with the Lord peacefully Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, with his family by his side. He was born June 19, 1946, in Linwood, Pa.

Al graduated from Chichester High School in Boothwyn, Pa. He was a police officer in Pennsylvania and Delaware and later worked as an investigator for the Delaware State Medical Examiner’s Office.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police for years and served as President of Lodge 2 in Sussex County and state trustee for the lodge. He was the organizer of many car clubs in the area and the founder and first president of the Oak Orchard/Riverdale Boys and Girls Club.

During his short life, Al received many awards and citations for both his work as a police officer and his dedication to others. Al or Big Al , as so many called him, will be greatly missed, but his time with us will be cherished forever.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cheryl Harkins Gargano; his children, Valarie Gargano, Albert D. Gargano, Natalie Cherry and her husband John, and Donald Gargano and his wife Pamela; three grandchildren, Hannah, Isaac and Samuel; three sisters, Sandra Rose, Mary Cichanowsky and Sue Seltzer; and his favorite uncle, Roc.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, Aug. 27^, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may call after 11  a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the F.O.P. Lodge 2, Sussex County, P.O. Box 985, Millsboro, DE 19966 or Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19966.

Albert F. Gargano, retired investigator

Albert F. “Big Al” Gargano Jr., 65, went home to be with the Lord peacefully Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, with his family by his side. He was born June 19, 1946, in Linwood, Pa.

Al graduated from Chichester High School in Boothwyn, Pa. He was a police officer in Pennsylvania and Delaware and later worked as an investigator for the Delaware State Medical Examiner’s Office.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police for years and served as President of Lodge 2 in Sussex County and state trustee for the lodge. He was the organizer of many car clubs in the area and the founder and first president of the Oak Orchard/Riverdale Boys and Girls Club.

During his short life, Al received many awards and citations for both his work as a police officer and his dedication to others. Al or Big Al , as so many called him, will be greatly missed, but his time with us will be cherished forever.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cheryl Harkins Gargano; his children, Valarie Gargano, Albert D. Gargano, Natalie Cherry and her husband John, and Donald Gargano and his wife Pamela; three grandchildren, Hannah, Isaac and Samuel; three sisters, Sandra Rose, Mary Cichanowsky and Sue Seltzer; and his favorite uncle, Roc.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, Aug. 27^, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may call after 11  a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the F.O.P. Lodge 2, Sussex County, P.O. Box 985, Millsboro, DE 19966 or Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19966.