Joseph R. Gambino

Joseph R. Gambino, age 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on Monday February 6, 2017 with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Utica on September 14, 1922, a son of the late Rosario and Angelina Lima Gambino, and was educated in local schools. On March 4, 1944, Joe was joined in marriage to Clare Rozyla in St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church. She was the greatest love of his life and together they formed a strong, loving and joyful union of sixty-seven years until her passing on July 18, 2011. As a member of the "Greatest Generation," Joe proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer Machinist Mate in 1944.

Joe was employed as a truck driver for Dorn's Transportation and Oneida Motor

Freight until his retirement. He was proud of his membership in the International

Brotherhood of Teamsters, enabling him to attain a higher standard of living to provide well for his family and for the education of his children.

Joe was a man filled with compassion, generosity, and consideration of others. His intellect, spirit and incredible sense of humor impressed and endeared all who met him. He was a source of strength, guidance, and support for his family, the very center of his life. Although his loss diminishes all of us, his life enriched us immeasurably.

Surviving are his two beloved daughters, Jo Ann Battista and her husband, Claudio, of Utica, and Jacqueline Battista of New Hartford; one cherished granddaughter, Alexandra Clare Battista with whom he resided for the last five years, loving and supporting him without fail. His brothers, Peter, Andrew, Salvatore, Nate, Frank, and Jimmy Gambino, and three sisters, Mamie Gelfuso, Frances and Mary Gambino have all predeceased him.

The family would like to express appreciation to Dr. John Pylman for his dedicated

care and compassion, forever a champion for Pa.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian

Burial to be celebrated on Saturday, February 11th at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, with Military Honors conferred. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass.

Service

Saturday, February 11 2017