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Gran, Albert "Al" E.
EAST GREENBUSH — Albert "Al" E. Gran, 81 of Albany, after a brave fight with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, went home to the Lord on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Born in Worcester, N.Y. on March 2, 1940, Al was the son of the late Gustav and Emily Gran. He grew up on the family dairy farm, and graduated as the valedictorian of his class in 1958 from Worcester Central School. He met his wife and mother of his four children while attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he received his B.S. degree in biology in 1963. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, Officer Training School (O.T.S.) at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, and later stationed at Hahn Air Base in Germany where he served as supervisor of the maintenance and repair of fighter planes deployed in Vietnam. Al left the Air
Force in 1968, joined the management team at Huyck Felt in Rensselaer, and settled in Latham with his wife and family.
Al loved the frequent gatherings at his parent’s home, with his and his sister’s family, near the farm where he grew up. Nothing made Al happier than these get-togethers with drawn-out meals deliciously prepared by his mother, family walks in the countryside, and evening slide shows of family photos. Al’s devotion to his community and his children was evident in how he lived. He was involved in many activities at St. Ambrose
School and Parish while his children attended primary school.
Years later, Al began the next chapter in his life with Rita Septer in Albany. He loved her children and grandchildren as his own and took a very active interest in their lives. Al became a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Albany, where he lectored and sang in the choir. He also frequently attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Albany, making several new friends there. He was a volunteer at multiple food pantries, the Albany Regional Food Bank, and the Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob Bingo. His devotion to his family, community and neighbors was Al’s main joy and was appreciated by so many.
After 32 years together, Al was predeceased by his wife Rita in September 2019. Survivors include his four beloved children from his previous marriage: Michael (Ina) Gran, Richard (Heidi) Gran, Karin (Michael) Gardner, and Theresa Gran-olekoski; and his beloved stepchildren, Steven (Sherri) Septer, and Tracey Septer. He was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren, Cecilia, David and Elisabeth Gran, Kassandra Gran and Tyges (Melanie) Besch, Brendan and Vance Gardner, Roman and Annaleigh Olekoski, David, Maya, and Peyton Septer; and two great-grandchildren,
Jameson Besch and Aiden Vanderlinden. He is also survived by his sister Trudy (Peter) Johnson; two nephews, Dr. Peter (Ron Keeney) Johnson, and Charles (Teri) Johnson; one niece, Dr.
Joyce (David) Johnson-harris, along with many cousins, great-nieces and nephews, all whom he greatly loved and enjoyed being part of the milestones in their lives. Al made many friends during his lifetime and will be greatly missed by all, espegreatly missed by all, especially his dear friend, Louise Carlini.
In keeping with Al’s wishes, an outdoor gathering of family and friends for a memorial celebration of his life is being planned, and the details will be announced as soon as they are available. A private family gathering for the interment will be held in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester, N.Y. at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, online remembrances and donations to Memorial Sloane Kettering may be made by following the links on www. Newcomeralbany.com.