Albert "Al" Etre

Albert “Al” P. Etre, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 19, 2022 at the age of 95. He joins in heaven his wife, Madeleine (Chamberland) Etre, son, Robert Etre, parents, Simone and Antoinetta (Renna) Etre, six brothers, Thomas, Joseph, Rudolph, Victor, Alphonse, and Simon Etre, and sister, Ann (Etre) Negri.   

Al was born in Worcester, one of eight children of Italian immigrants. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving proudly as a member of the Seabees during World War II. Upon discharge from the service, Al returned to Worcester and married the love of his life, Madeleine M. Chamberland. Together, they raised eight children of their own.

In addition to being a loving father and husband, Al was also a business owner—he founded A.P. Etre Builders Inc. and EPA Realty Company. Known for his high-quality work in all areas of construction, Al was most proud of his homes, which provided the foundation for many Shrewsbury, Worcester, Grafton and Central Massachusetts families. He cultivated and operated his company for more than 57 years before retiring in 2007 and handing control of the company to his son, Ron, who carried on his father’s dream. 

Al was a devoted and proud member of his community, relentless in his efforts to make it better. He was a devout Catholic who enjoyed supporting the church through donations and construction projects, particularly at St. Mary's and St. Anne's, where he was a long-time parishioner, attending mass every Sunday. Al was especially dedicated to St. John’s High School, where his seven sons and five of his grandchildren attended and graduated. He was a member of the Board of Trustees, consultant to three headmasters, and Physical Plant Director, a role he served in well into his 80’s. To this day, most every structure at St John’s bears his influence. 

 Al’s commitment to making a difference extended to his service as President of the Central Massachusetts Builders Association, Town of Shrewsbury Selectman, Member of the Finance Committee of the Marian High School Board of Directors, Finance Committee of the St. Mary’s School Board, and the Baystate Savings Bank Board to name a few.   While a legend in the community, Al’s legacy and greatest source of pride was his family. Albert and Madeleine—Pépère and Mémère to their grandchildren—believed in creating memories with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether Sunday dinner or a trip to Italy, nothing brought them more joy than being surrounded by family. 

In 2014, Albert lost his partner and soulmate, Madeleine, after 66 years of marriage. Always spiritually tied with his wife, Al became a daily visitor to her grave. Al continued to lead his family as patriarch, ensuring that they maintained their strong bond and continued their many family traditions.  

Albert is survived by seven of his devoted children: Paul Etre (wife, Elizabeth), Richard Etre (wife, Jan), Matthew Etre (wife, Karen) of Worcester, Suzanne Etre-Gauvin (husband, Paul) of Sutton, Ronald Etre (wife, Kathleen) of Grafton, Stephen Etre (wife, Katherine) of Santa Fe and James Etre of Albuquerque. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours on Sunday, September 25th, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St, Worcester. Albert's celebration of christian burial mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, September 26th at St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd, Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in Albert's name can be made to St. John’s High School, West Main St, Shrewsbury, MA. 

Albert’s family would like to thank the hard-working, compassionate and talented staff at the Oasis and Laura's Guardian Angels for their outstanding care.