Alton "Al" Gardner Thurston

Alton "Al" Gardner Thurston, 66, of Port Charlotte, FL, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 in Lazy Suzy, FL at the horse farm he cherished. He was the beloved husband of Theresa Ann (DiGioia) Lake Thurston, to whom he was married on March 20, 2004. Born on December 14, 1951, he was the son of the late Alton and Doris Thurston. A graduate of Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton, MA, Class of 1970, he studied personal training and fitness at the International Sport Science Association. A resident of Port Charlotte for the past eleven years, he previously lived in Providence, RI's East Side.Al worked for more than thirty years in the field of health and fitness. He was the Founder and Chairman of the North American Bodybuilding Federation (NABF) and the former Head Athletic Trainer and Instructor for Snap Fitness in Port Charlotte. He also previously worked as a Network Marketer. Al was the passionate and devoted owner and trainer of "Horsing Around Ranch" in Lazy Suzy, where he and Theresa would often spend time caring for the horses they lovingly adopted. He was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather, and leaves five sisters and one brother, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, both near and far.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Al to a charity of one's choice to benefit animals.For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200