Mr. Edgar D. "Tom Almstead

Edgar D. "Tom" Almstead Edgar D. "Tom" Almstead, 83, of 16 Paula Avenue, died Saturday, December 12,2015, at Berkshire Medical Center Emergency Room. Born in Pittsfield on June 13, 1932, he was the son of Edgar D. Almstead, Sr. and Myrtle Reid Almstead. He was a 1950 graduate of Pittsfield High School and a 1971 graduate of Berkshire Community college, with an Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement. He has always been known as "Tom" by friends and family. Following Tom’s Navy service he worked for the US Government at the Government Mill in Dalton as a packer, sealer and guard for three years. Tom joined the Pittsfield Police Department as a Patrolman on February 6, 1956 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1966. As part of his police training, he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Washington, D.C. in 1971. He left the police force in 1975 to join GE Ordnance Systems, holding positions of security guard and as a planner in Office Services. He retired in 1992: He served in the U.S. Navy for four years, achieving the rank of Fire Controlman First Class on the USS New Jersey. As a proud veteran of the Korean War, Tom was the recipient of the following medals: Korean Service Medal with two battle stars, United Nations Korean Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation Medal, and Korean War Service Medal. Showing his pride for military service, Tom belonged to the following veterans' organizations: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Korean War Veterans Association, and USS New Jersey Veterans. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Edith Butler, in 1951. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Donna Gniadek of San Ramon, California; Debra Galvagni and her husband, Robert, of Pittsfield; a grandson, Matthew Gniadek and his wife, Marisa, of San Mateo, California; a granddaughter, Sarah-Beth Gniadek, of San Diego, California; a great-grandson, Jackson Yee Gniadek, of San Mateo, California; two brothers-in-law, Arthur Butler and his wife, Cathy, of Pittsfield; Robert Butler and his wife, Mary Jo, of Kenmore, New York; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Lillie Fairfield, Myrtle Brunelle, and Evelyn Adams. Tom's family was the light of his life. He was a "people person," known for his congenial personality and his keen sense of humor. He made friends everywhere he went, always spreading joy with his good-natured kidding. He will be missed. FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 17,2015, from 9:00am to 10:30 a.m. at the WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, followed by A Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 :00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church on Elm Street in Pittsfield with Father Peter Naranjo II, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in West Stockbridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled American Veterans in care of the funeral home 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Please visit www.wellingtonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family.

Mr. Edgar D. "Tom Almstead

June 13, 1932 - December 12, 2015