Alfred J. "Al" Larkin of Melrose passed away at the Bear Hill Nursing Center of Wakefield on Sunday, May 11, 2008. He was 80 years old. Born on November 3, 1927 in Pubnico, Nova Scotia, Canada, he came to the United States when he was 3 years old and was raised in Malden where he attended Malden schools. He left school early to help raise the family and later entered the United States Army and served as a private during World War II. Mr. Larkin worked as a laborer for Coviello & Sons of Stoneham for 29 years. He also worked during the winter months for Casey's Florist of Melrose for over 50 years. Al loved his kids and grand kids, fishing, working in his garden, going up North and being the "neighborhood's father." He always took the neighborhood kids anywhere they wanted to go. For example, dirt bike riding. He was the devoted husband of 36 years to Cynthia J. (Lewis) Larkin, loving father of Lee-Ann Morgan & her husband Christopher A. of Tewksbury & David L. Larkin & his significant other Valerie Mastroianni of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of David J. Larkin, Erin E. & Sean R. Morgan. Caring brother of Myrtle Currier of FL, Gerald Larkin of NH, Nancy Grandmont of Malden & the late Ernest W., Lester N., Clyde, Kenneth B. Larkin & Ethel Day. Also survived by many nieces, nephews & cousins. A funeral service will be held in the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Wed. May 14th at 10AM. Captain Janet Clark of the Salvation Army of Malden will officiate. Family & friends invited. Visiting hours Tues. 2-4 & 7-9PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose with military honors. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. Donations in Al's memory may be made to the Salvation Army 213 Main St., Malden, MA 02148. For flowers, directions or to sign Al's guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com