Dr. Alan Douglas Gifford, affectionately known as A.G., Giff and Grandpa Alan, was born on October 23, 1946, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and passed away on September 11, 2026. Alan, a charismatic and courageous individual who was known for his wit and intelligence, resided in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

Alan was a man of many talents and interests. His passion for motorcycles and firearms was well-known. Alan's love for riding and his competitive spirit led him to race motorcycles at Loudon Raceway and later own and operate a motorcycle sales and repair shop in New Bedford. He found great joy in sharing that passion with others, especially son and his grandsons, whom he loved showing his motorcycles and teaching about their history and mechanics. Whether taking a ride with longtime friends, attending motorcycle events, or adding to his collection, motorcycles remained a constant source of enjoyment and connection throughout his life.

Alan's love of firearms began as a cadet in the Army ROTC program at New Bedford High School, where he was a member of both the varsity rifle team and the ROTC competitive rifle team. That early passion for marksmanship continued throughout his life and was further developed during his service in the United States Marine Corps, where he distinguished himself as a marksman, earning both the Rifle Expert Badge and the Pistol Sharpshooter Badge. What began as a youthful interest and military skill evolved into a lifelong appreciation for firearms, and he became an avid firearms enthusiast, collector, competitor, and instructor. Among his many accomplishments, Alan earned his NFA Instructor Certificate, served as the riflery instructor for the YMCA Day Camp at Shining Tides, and was the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the rifle range at Quantico, Virginia, where he supported firearms training for FBI Academy personnel. He was a familiar face at the Mattapoisett Fish and Game Association's annual Turkey Shoot and enjoyed spending time at local ranges with his son and close friends. Whether sharing his knowledge, honing his skills, or enjoying the camaraderie of the shooting sports, Alan took great pride in helping others develop confidence and proficiency while building lasting friendships along the way.

Alan's commitment to continued learning and his smart and witty personality guided him through his multifaceted career. He held a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in English-related fields, with his Ph.D. specializing in the teaching of writing. He also completed graduate and professional studies in counseling, information science, information systems, and computer technology. He dedicated over four decades to teaching at numerous colleges and universities, including 20 years at UMass Dartmouth and 24 years at Bristol Community College.

Alan's commitment to serving his country remained steadfast throughout his life. Following four years of service in the United States Marine Corps, he continued his military career in the United States Army Reserve and Massachusetts National Guard, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain. During more than three decades of combined military service, including service in Vietnam, he demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication, earning two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. His other military decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct

Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He was nominated to serve as a member of the President's Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., a prestigious distinction that reflected his professionalism, exemplary bearing, and unwavering dedication to duty.

Beyond his military service, Alan remained deeply committed to helping others, both in times of peace and during emergencies. As a member of the Massachusetts National Guard, during the historic Blizzard of 1978, supported hospitals, police departments and other community services in recovering from the storm of the century. His dedication to public service extended beyond his military duties. He served on the Board of Directors of Project COACH of the New Bedford Region, an organization dedicated to alternative sentencing and rehabilitation programs for young offenders, and was an active participant in the Disabled American Veterans organization. Whether serving his country, assisting communities in times of crisis, supporting fellow veterans, or helping guide others toward a better path, Alan believed deeply in the value of service and left a lasting impact on those whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Janet Rodgers-Buba. His children, Kimberly Keaney (husband, Matthew) and Kent Gifford; the mother of his children, Marlene Gifford. Alan's cherished grandchildren, Connor Keaney, Aidan Keaney, Emma Keaney, and Arianna Gifford. Alan also leaves behind his siblings, Don Gifford(wife, Joyce), Wayne Gifford, Warren Gifford and Wynn Gifford. He also leaves his nieces, Beth Almeida and Leah Thompson.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Gifford & Lillian Donaghy; and his stepfather, John Donaghy. He was predeceased by his sister, Debbie Thomas, and his nephew, Michael Gifford.

Friends and Family are cordially invited to attend a Committal Service for Alan which will be held on Friday, October 16th, 2026 with Military Honors at 1:15 PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

We encourage all who knew him to cherish their memories of Alan. Please feel free to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page as we celebrate and remember his life.

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes at Ferreira Chapel "Celebrating A Life Well Lived"