Robert M. Gambardella
December 27, 1932 ~ March 11, 2021
Born in:
New York, NY
Resided in:
Smithtown, NY
Robert’s Wake Service & Family Eulogy will be livestreamed Tuesday 8 PM. Please follow the link below
Bob Gambardella grew up in Hell’s Kitchen during the 30s and 40s with his sister Joanie and his brother Richard. He proudly served his country in The U.S. Navy during the Korean War, where he was stationed in French Morocco. In 1958, he married the love of his life, JoAnn Viccora, and the two moved “way out east” to Commack where they raised 3 children – MaryAnne, Rob, and AnnMarie. Bob worked a variety of jobs throughout his life; he was a tech writer at Northrop Grumman where he worked on the Lunar Module that accompanied the Apollo 11 Moon Shot and the A6A Intruder Fighter Jet. He also did a stint in catering which gave him many entertaining stories to tell to his children and grandchildren, worked as a plant manager at UL for many years, and was most recently a well-loved security guard in the Kings Park School District. He also volunteered at St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged in Elwood, where he befriended many of the Sisters of St. Benedict.
Bob was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His children loved him for his good humor and strong familial leadership, and his grandchildren look back fondly on memories of swimming in the pool with him and building sandcastles at the beach. They will never forget looking up in the stands at their sporting events to see his smiling face proudly cheering them on. He loved going out to the movies, swimming in the ocean, walking for miles on the Sunken Meadow Boardwalk, and singing along to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Bob was a true family man. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was blessed enough to cross paths with him, but “what is grief, if not love persevering?”
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, JoAnn, his 3 children MaryAnne (Jeff) Haney, Rob (Mary Ellen) Gambardella, and AnnMarie (Kevin) Mundinger, his grandchildren Brian (Rachel) Haney, Bobby (Katie) Haney, Brandon Haney (fiancée Juliana Restivo), Samantha Gambardella, Josh Gambardella, Justin Gambardella, and Christopher Mundinger, and his great-grandson Cameron Haney.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Services
Visitation: March 16, 2021 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
Second Visitation: March 16, 2021 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
Private- Cremation:
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Robert M. Gambardella 's name.
St. Judes Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
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Rest In Peace
Sending prayers to all of you 🙏🏻
Sounds like Bob played a big role in shaping the tight-knit Gambardella family. Condolences from Tracy, Mia and Chris.
Rob and MaryEllen, Craig and I are so sorry for your and your family’s loss. He was clearly a very special and family-oriented man whose personality traits persist in his descendants. Wishing you strength and comfort at this difficult time.
Dear Joann , Rob , Mary Ellen and the Gambardella family. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. May your happy memories help you through this sad time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers .
Take care
Phyllis, Richie and the Reddingtons , Galway .
Rob, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May your father rest in peace.
Gambardella family—We are so sorry for your loss. You’re all in our prayers and please know our departed loved ones are never far away.
Diane Skelly
Rob, MaryEllen and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Karen
My deepest condolences to the family. ♥️
I am so sorry for your loss. May your Father rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My deepest condolences are with you and your family.
You all are in our prayers, sorry for your loss.