Rae Gambino Harris

Rae Gambino Harris, a beacon of love and joy, passed away with her family by her side on December 16, 2025, at the age of 82, at her home in Wilmington, NC. Born on October 3, 1943, at Manhattan General Hospital in New York City, Rae lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Rae spent her early childhood in New York, attending P.S. 135 Elementary School in Jamaica, Long Island, NY. Around the sixth grade, her family moved to 146 De Witt Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ, where she continued her education at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School. She later attended Asbury Park High School, graduating in 1961.

Following graduation, Rae began her professional career working for the federal government at the Social Security Administration office in Asbury Park, NJ, a role that reflected her strong work ethic and commitment to serving others. It was during this time that fate intervened. In 1962, Rae met the love of her life, Lacy Harris, at a dance held at Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, NJ. Their love story quickly blossomed, leading to their marriage on May 31, 1963.

After their marriage, Lacy was transferred overseas, and in 1964 Rae joined him in France. Together, they embraced this new chapter of life abroad, remaining there until his honorable discharge from the Army in 1965. Upon returning to the United States, they continued building a beautiful life together, rooted in love, partnership, and devotion.

They later moved from New Jersey to Fayetteville, NC, in 1972, and Rae embraced entrepreneurship alongside her husband, co-running Lacy's TV and High-Tech Satellite for over two decades. Even amidst her professional endeavors, Rae cherished her role as a devoted housewife, raising her beloved daughters, Renee and Rhonda, and nurturing them with kindness, love, and strength. The couple retired to Wilmington in 1992, where they made their permanent home.

Rae was an avid enthusiast of ceramics and line dancing. Her passions extended to volunteering at elementary schools and nursing homes, where she shared her warmth and compassion. Boating also brought her joy, but more than any hobby or pursuit, Rae was most fulfilled by her role within her family. She poured herself into caring for and supporting them, creating a life rooted in love, commitment, and togetherness.

Rae was the kind of person whose presence could light up a room and whose empathy and compassion touched everyone she met. Her genuine personality and sense of humor made every gathering brighter, and her profound faith meant that she always kept her loved ones in her prayers.

Rae was predeceased by her parents, Evelyn and Joseph Gambino; her sister, Connie Flannery; and her brother, Steve Gambino. She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her beloved husband, Lacy Harris; her daughters, Renee Harris Bellanger (Matthew) and Rhonda Harris Smith (Steven); grandchildren Trey Smith (Heather), Tiffani Pasley (Chris), Darren Smith (Sydney), and Lacey Smith; step-grandchildren Morgan and Miranda Bellanger; and great-grandchild Harris Pasley, along with extended family members and friends who loved Rae deeply and will forever miss her shining spirit.

Services to honor Rae's remarkable life will include a Visitation on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation. A Funeral Service will follow on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., also at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, with a graveside service at Oleander Memorial Gardens to immediately follow, where she will be laid to eternal rest.

Rae was truly an angel on earth, teaching us all how to love and take care of one another. Her legacy of kindness and joy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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Services and care entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation - Wilmington Chapel - 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099