Ghent — Anthony "Gig" "Tony" Gagliardi, 80, passed away Monday December 15th at Albany Medical Center following a brief illness. He leaves behind, his three daughters, Kim, Lisa and Holly, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a brother, Pasquale, a multitude of close, personal friends, as well as his two canine companions, DeeDee and CeeCee. Gig was born in Hudson, the son of Carmen and Angelina Gagliardi in 1935. By the time he was 4 years old, Tony's mother had passed away and he and his two brothers were placed in foster care at St. Colman's Home near Albany. There, he attended school and was raised by the nuns until the age of about 12. Tony eventually came to live with a well-respected stone mason and his family in the Chatham area. It was through the teachings of his "step-father" that Gig learned the trade and soon became a well sought-after mason in his own right. Tony graduated from Chatham High School in 1954. He worked as a stone mason for several years on his own before eventually going to work with Bervy Excavation in 1984, where he worked happily doing what he did best until the day of his passing. He had a love of the outdoors, hunting, cooking and especially – gardening. If you were a friend of Gig's, you could always count on a car load of cabbage, zucchini, peppers, etc. every summer. He was probably as equally sought-after for his famous pig-roasts and fresh tomato sauce as his masonry. Gig had many close, devoted friends to whom he was forever loyal and generous. He was a unique man - there was only one Gig. It was a lucky person who considered himself a friend of Tony's. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten. A memorial service will be held in the spring for those wishing to celebrate Tony's life. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.