Charles Gambino

Charles Christopher Gambino 85, “Our Poppy-Chuck”Rockaway Township – Charles Christopher Gambino of Green Pond, formerly of Ramsey, was born October 12, 1924 in Bergenfield went home to be with the Lord and his wife, Allie Friday, February 5, 2010 surrounded by his family. He was the son of mothers Mary Gambino and Marge “Grams” Gambino and father Frank Gambino.Charles, known by everyone as ‘Charlie,’ was a parishioner of St. Simon the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Green Pond and had a special devotion to St. Therese the Little Flower. He will always be known as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was truly a good man and had many friends.Charlie was the beloved husband of Alice Hannah (Roverse) Gambino who went to be with our Lord July 28, 2004. He was the devoted father of Linda Joy Kazmier of Scottsdale, AZ, Christopher Charles and his wife Elizabeth Gambino of Oak Ridge, and Robert Eugene Gambino of Green Pond.Charlie was a loving grandfather, “Poppy-Chuck,” to Kelly Marie and husband Jimmy Longobardi, Beth and her husband Dr. Tom Portuese, and Christopher Jr. and a great-grandfather to Alyssa and Nicole Longobardi and Timothy Portuese.He was the dearest brother of Doris and Anthony Gervolino, MaryLou and Jack D’Angelo, Arlene and Frank Karausky, Christine and George Scott, and Billy Gambino. He was the dearest brother-in-law to Gene and his wife Mary Roverse and Robert and his wife Mary Roverse. He was Uncle Charlie to many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.Charlie was a stand-out baseball and football player at Bergenfield High School. He was one of the “Mighty Mights” the first varsity football team to ever graduate Bergenfield High in 1943. He went on to play semi-pro baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies and played at the Polo Grounds Stadium. He was offered a professional contract but chose to stay home close to his family. On June 27, 1981 Charlie was inducted into the Semi-Pro Hall of Fame in Bergen County. He coached baseball for many years in Ramsey during the 1960’s and later was an umpire for Green Pond’s summer baseball league.He worked at Stillman and Hoag Buick in Englewood for 43 years as a Service Advisor. When not working he loved to garden and fish at the lake with his family. A landmark Gentleman in Green Pond, he was known for sincere “Hellos” and “How are yous?” to every passerby.A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2010 at St. Simon the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Green Pond Road, Green Pond.Memorial donations may be sent to the Green Pond Fire and First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 86, Newfoundland, NJ 07435.Arrangements are under the direction of the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 LaRue Road, Newfoundland, NJ.Online condolences: www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com

Charles Gambino

October 12, 1924 - February 5, 2010