JoAnn Gambardella
May 23, 1937 ~ September 1, 2024
Born in:
Astoria, NY
Resided in:
Smithtown, NY
JoAnn (Viccora) Gambardella grew up in Astoria, Queens with her parents Stella and Joseph and her older brother Victor “VV” (at the hilarious address of 35-33 34th Street). Her ‘family first’ mentality began when she was a kid, and she spoke fondly and often of the many visits to and from “the Connecticut cousins.” She graduated from Long Island City High School, and was working at Conover-Mast in midtown Manhattan when she was set up on a blind date with the magnificent man who would become her husband, Bob Gambardella. JoAnn and Bob got married in 1958, and soon moved to Commack where they raised their 3 children MaryAnne, Rob, and AnnMarie. That house on Retta Lane (and decades later the condo on Gazebo Lane) was a revolving door of neighborhood children and school friends in the 70s and 80s, and grandchildren in the 90s and ‘00s, always full of laughter and incredible food thanks to JoAnn. She worked at OTB for 20+ years as a teller, making lifelong friends, and was a proud member of the Red Hats.
JoAnn was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend. She loved traveling, going out to the movies, shopping (especially at Denny’s), nights out in the city going to dinner and Broadway shows, spoiling her grandchildren, and cooking the best meatballs you’ve ever tasted. As an avid basketball fan, she coached CYO teams in the 70s and years later the volume and frequency of her chants toward the opposing team made her the referees’ least favorite spectator at her grandchildren’s games. JoAnn was also a music lover, winning a lindy contest with Bob during their younger years and singing and dancing along to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin for many years afterward.
Faith was always at the center of JoAnn’s life, and she had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. She participated enthusiastically in Teams of Our Lady, Rosary Altar Society, the Columbiettes, and helped to build Christ the King parish in the 60s. Her faith was also evident in the way she treated everyone around her; JoAnn’s generosity and kindness knew no bounds. Everybody was welcome to a seat at her table, and her heart was made of pure gold.
JoAnn joins her loving husband Bob (1932-2021) in Heaven, and is survived by her 3 children MaryAnne (Jeff) Haney, Rob (Mary Ellen) Gambardella, and AnnMarie (Kevin) Mundinger; her grandchildren Brian (Rachel) Haney, Bobby (Katie) Haney, Brandon (Juliana) Haney, Samantha (Will) Tangel, Josh Gambardella, Justin Gambardella, and Christopher Mundinger; and her great-grandchildren Cameron Haney and Vienna Haney. “Love you more!”
In lieu of flowers, JoAnn’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Association, God’s Love We Deliver, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Services
Visitation: Friday, September 6, 2024 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
Mass: Saturday, September 7, 2024 10:30 am
St. Patrick's R C Church Smithtown
280 E Main St
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
Maryanne, Rob, AnneMarie and families ,
Thinking of you all at this very sad time.May the wonderful memories of the great times you have all had together help you through the difficult days ahead. We had the great privilege of spending time with JoAnn and she was a true lady with a heart of gold. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care
Phyllis , Richie and the Reddington family. Ireland
Aunt Joanne was an amazing woman of faith and she taught me how to pray the rosary. I have so many wonderful family memories growing up and the laughs we all had together. I only wish we would have made time for more. She and Uncle Bob will be truly missed but always remembered. Love you guys❤️
Hi Rob, very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We are thinking of ye at this difficult time.
Best Regards Michael and Mags
My condolences to Anne Marie, Kevin, Chris and the whole family. She was always a sweetheart. May she rest in peace knowing she left taught her children well.
I’ve know Mrs.Gambardella since about 1980 when her daughter was dating my best friend Jeff.
I remember watching The Miracle on ice in her den with Mr. Gambardella Jeff and Maryanne.
Even though I was just a friend of her daughter’s boyfriend she treated me as part of the family that night and every other time I saw her. I’ll always remember that.
I’ll always remember her smile and warmth when Jeff and I stopped by when he was dating MaryAnne. Time passes so quickly.
Our prayers go out to your entire family.
With condolences to Maryann , Robbie and Annemarie ,
so sorry to hear that another one of the original Retta Lane Moms has passed on
Thinking of you and your families at this sad time
Lisa and Carrie Tassa
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. May God grant her eternal rest and may you find comfort and strength in your faith and the love of those around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I watched the photo montage of memories; it truly is a testament to her impact on those around her. My memories of Aunt JoAnn are filled with nothing but goodness..
My mom and dad’s first date was to JoAnn and Bob’s wedding.