Peter Gambino

1937 - 2018

BELMONT - Peter S. Gambino, 80, of the Old State Road, passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester. He was born on Dec. 30, 1937 in Hornell to the late Natale and Francesca Camaci Gambino. On Oct. 5, 1966 in Genesee, Pa., he married Jean O'Keefe, who predeceased him on Feb. 16, 2014.

Peter was a long time resident of the Belmont area. He graduated from St Ann's Catholic School in Hornell and from Hornell High School. For a time he worked for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad in Hornell and retired in 1994 from Alfred Sate College Public Safety after 28 years of service. He had been a member of the St. Ann's Church, now Our Lady of the Valley Church in Hornell, the Hornell K of C, and the Hudson Valley Kiwanis Club. Peter's passion was gardening, especially garlic. Along with his family, he owned and operated Gambino Garlic Growers and sold garlic at many festivals and farmers markets. He was a huge college basketball fan, he especially enjoyed attending St. Bonaventure's home games. He was a devoted family man who supported his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and other special occasions. He will be remembered for wisdom and his tremendous sense of humor.

Survivors include three sons, John (Ellen) Donovan of Arkport, Daniel Gambino (Kari Manning) of Frederick, Md., and Peter (Nichole) Gambino of Belmont; three daughters, Roberta (Ted) Seeley of Belmont, Susan (James) Rosenberger of Belmont, and Mary Frances (Douglas Eakins) Gambino of North Palm Beach, Fla.; 20 grandchildren, Deborah Roberts, Marcia Seeley, Theodore Seeley, Justin Seeley, Jamie Kud, Jennifer Kud, Patrick Kud, Sabra Donovan, Joseph Donovan, Jeannette Donovan, Brandy Rosenberger, Stacy Alsworth, Jill Ordiway, Natalie Gerber, Daniel Gerber, Jenna Gambino, Arielle Vargo, Sophia Gambino, Salvatore Gambino, and Michelle Millington; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Matthew Gambino; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, a daughter and son-in-law, Elisabeth [James] Kud; two grandsons; and a great-grandson.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 11, 2108 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. A prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday in the Funeral Home followed by a Service with a Deacon at 11 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Belmont. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery and memorials if desired may be made to the Amity Rescue Squad; or to the Belmont Fire Department; or to the Palliative Care Unit at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com