Albert John "Al" Collyard

Albert “Al” John Collyard “A Life Well Lived” ~ Age 99 June 22, 1916 – March 1, 2016 Al was born as Albert John Gagliardi on June 22, 1916 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Anna (nee Giampaolo) and Louis Collyard. He attended Johnson High School in St. Paul and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps before he graduated high school. At a barn dance in Wisconsin, Al met the love of his life, Josephine “Dolly” Capra, and they were married on June 26, 1937. After marrying Dolly, he became a certified welder in the United States Navy and finished his education at Great Lakes within the military. From 1942 to 1945 he was involved with building the LST’s (Landing Ship Tanks) that were used at the Invasion of Normandy. After he was discharged, he was an experienced iron worker for 45 years. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and was specifically involved with the Father Finley Council #4374. He was proud of his military background and was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. Al was a true family man and instilled the belief of strong family traditions within his children and grandchildren. In 2014, Al threw the ceremonial first pitch at Target Field for a Minnesota Twins baseball game. Al passed away on March 1, 2016 at St. John’s Hospital. Until the last month, he had been blessed to be living very healthily with his family at home and even drove until he was 98 years old. Al is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Anna Collyard; his wife, Josephine “Dolly” Collyard (nee Capra); his brothers, Michael, Henry, and Edward Collyard; sister, Florence Kreyer; and special sister-in-law, Louise Haley. He will be dearly missed by his daughter, Marlene L’Allier; sons, Duane, Gary and Don Collyard; eleven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends.