Carmela Garthwait

It is with great sadness, we announce Carmela Garthwait (nee Gambacorto), 87, of Red Bank, NJ passed away on December 18, 2025 peacefully surrounded by family.

She was born in Long Branch, NJ on October 6, 1938 to the late Tina and James Gambacorto, Sr. Carmela was raised in Red Bank and graduated from Red Bank Catholic in 1956 before working for NJ Bell then becoming a renowned professional seamstress while devoting most of her time to her children.

Carmela and her husband Eldon, lived in Lincroft for over 45 years. Carmela is survived by Eldon (Husband), children; Sharon Widmaier, Susan (Bruce Morford), Debra (Otschir Unkow), her brother James Gambacorto, Jr. along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Carmela cherished her time with her family, but especially with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Aside from family time, Carmela served the community with her talents as a seamstress and also perfected the art of knitting, crossstitch, and crocheting. Despite her early diagnoses and battles with various health issues, Carmela persevered and continued to craft bringing her talents into peoples homes, special occasions and meaningful events creating unforgettable moments for all who knew her. Her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to craft immaculate personalized keepsakes was truly a gift.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28th, 2025 from 1-3 pm, with a prayer service at 2:30 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/).