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Russell Gambino Obituary
Frankfort/Utica
Mr. Russell A. "Big Daddy" Gambino, age 66, of Frankfort, NY, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at his home. He was born in Utica on September 22, 1942, a son of Andrew Gambino and the late Beatrice (Romano) Gambino, and was educated in local schools. Russ served our country in the US Marines from 1959-1963. On August 29, 1975, he was married to Harriett Farr in NY Mills, NY, a blessed union of 34 years. Russ was the owner and operator of Big Daddys Beauty and Grocery on Bleecker St. for many years. Currently he owned and operated the Utica Wig Co. on Genesee St. Russ loved serving his community and his family would like to thank his many loyal customers throughout the years. He was an avid sports fan, always rooting for the Stealers, Penguins and the Pirates. He was also a devoted member of the YMCA. Surviving are his loving wife, Harriett; his beloved father, Andy; one beloved son, Andy Gambino of Pittsburgh; one beloved daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Steve Giardino of Stittville; three cherished grandchildren, Keala Gambino, Alyssa and Andrew Giardino; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Angela Gambino of Utica, and Dee and Paul Evans of Marcy; one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Cathy and Mike Bellino of FL; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Beatrice on October 29, 2008, and an infant daughter, Dina Gambino. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday evening (today) from 5-8 p.m. at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home, Inc., 1122 Culver Ave. Funeral services will be at the conclusion of visiting hours at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Anthony LaFache, officiating. Online messages of sympathy www.scalaroefaro.com
"Big Daddy"
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Memories and Condolences
for Russell Gambino
Flossie Bell-Lomax
August 21, 2009
To the Family of Russ,
I must echo most of the sentiment in this guest book. For as long as I can remember, Russ (affectionately called "Big Daddy) and shop in our community was a household name. The family should be proud of Russ's unconditional love for the community that he served. Big Daddy was generous and gracious to the community and even when Cornhill began to get run down and most of the businesses left, Big Daddy's stayed on. The last time I saw Russ I think was about 5-6 years ago and he had a chance to meet my daughter and this was about 15 years after I had left Utica. He still remembered my nickname that only close friends of the family knew. Russ was family for most of the kids growing up in Cornhill and a friend to the community. I thank God for giving Utica and the Cornhill community an opportunity to share his love for youth, life, and a strong sense of community with us. God Bless you family, and God willing we'll see him again some day.
The Maddox Family
August 20, 2009
From South & Taylor, to South & Dudley, to Genesee Street, to Bleecker Street, and back to Genesee Street...thanks for the journey. The BEST beautician ever. You will be truly missed. We love you Russ - Rest in Peace.
Harriet, Andy, Michelle, Angela, our condolences go out to you and the rest of the Gambino family. Take care of yourselves and Father Gambino. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. You are all in our prayers.
God Bless You.
Cyndi Maddox
August 20, 2009
It is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences to the Gambino family. Russ was a very special person and will be greatly missed. I appreciate immensely his concern (as well as yours Ms. Harriet) for my healty during these last couple of years and his words of encouragement. Although it's difficult when our loved ones leave us, there's comfort in knowing that they're resting safely in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again on the other side. Thanks for the memories.
Keith & Angela Webb
August 20, 2009
Our deepest condolences to the Gambino Family. Russ was a good friend of the family for years. I actually used to work for him. The family of Jean Jones of (Jacksonville Fl) would like to say he will be missed. He was an icon in the community.May God be with the family and grant them strength.
billie bell
August 20, 2009
To the Gambino family---Russ was a special man in my life. I remember Russ from many years ago, when I was just a kid & he had the store on South & Dudley. I used to stop there every day on the way to school. In the years since, I woould stop at his beauty stores on my visits back to Utica. He will be dearly missed, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. May God bless you and guide you at your time of loss. Russ was & is a great man. I love him. God bless.
Michele Groomes
August 20, 2009
my condolences go out to the gambino family! Russ was always so nice to myself and my family for many years. we shopped at his beauty store for years! May God continue to hold him in the cradle of his arms and God bless you all!
The Groomes Family
ann sheppard
August 20, 2009
russ and harriet i remember when i frist met you guy so many year,s ago on south,and the warm arm you gave to me and my family at the store and we have been a big daddy,s fan ever since,and where ever big daddy went we went ,well big daddy your gone home now to be with the lord guess we,ll see you one last time,with that big smile onyour face ,you will be missed but not for gotten your dear friend mrs,ann spratt,sheppard
Jacque Frazier
August 19, 2009
Russ,
You will be deeply missed.... Have a safe journey, I know that the Lord will take good care of you.
To the Family,
Remember "This too shall pass" God will continue to keep you in his embrace.
God Bless,
Jacque Frazier
Versie Bell
August 19, 2009
I send my deepest sympathy to the family.
Versie Bell
Lisa Jones
August 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
David Dorsagno
August 19, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Mike Collea
August 19, 2009
Andy and Micheelle, I am saddened and shocked to hear of your loss. I am sorry that I could not be there. I am away and discovered this on the internet. My brother and I send our condolences. he will be greatly missed. God bless
peter cerminaro
August 19, 2009
I once heard Russ sing long ago in Grippe's Lounge with some band that invited him up on stage and he blew the crowd away, I later became friends with Russ through Joe and Ernie Durse. He was a fine man with family honor and code, he was a great son to his parents and a great father. He will be missed by all who knew him. God Bless his family and his Soul.
ladonna pugh
August 19, 2009
big daddy you will be missed by many people of utica ny. we are sorry for your loss we send are prayers out to the family. may god bless you and keep you. big daddy work was not in vain. love the pugh family
Tarita Mills
August 18, 2009
I offer my condolences to the family of Russ Gambino. Utica has certainly lost a great friend and businessman who was dedicated to serving his customers.
Joy Morreale
August 18, 2009
I would like to send my condolences to the family. I also send my love and prayers. Know that he is always with you in your heart, and many others.
August 18, 2009
AUG,18,2008
So sorry to hear of your loss.
I have known Russ for many years,we went to school together,and I"m very good friends with his cousin BOB.
I do not live in Utica any longer,but I did get to see him a few times when I visited. He was a really "GREAT GUY"
And will be missed.
Lorraine (RIZZO)Reiner, Dixon,CA.
August 18, 2009
Please accept our sincere condolences.Although we no longer live in Utica,we have many fond memories.Russ was certainly a "Utica Legend",always showing kindness and respect to all.He will be truly missed.God bless you BIG DADDY!! Jim & Geraldine(Holliman) Regan Cicero, NY
Clyde & Jessie Jones
August 18, 2009
Deepest Sympathies to the Gambino Family.
Russel was known and loved by many members of the community of all races. He was very much a part of this very diverse community. I stopped at his store this past Friday after work, the store was full of customers, hectic, and extremely busy. It seemed like everybody was talking and wanted to be waited on all at once. He was cashing me out and I commented to him how busy and chaotic it was. I remember saying, How can you stand it like this? He looked at me , smiled and stated "It's Just the way I like it". He was a nice man, always smiling or kidding about something, and he will truly be missed. All our heartfelt prayers go out to all of his family at this time.
Munira Grinnage
August 18, 2009
I wanted to send my condolences to the Gambino Family. It was very difficult hearing the News. I remember going to Big Daddy's since I was a young girl. Now I use to bring my daughter. He will be greatly missed. Especially by the women. We knew at a any point when we were confussed and undecided on our selections. Big Daddy could bring it all together with the perfect look for that particular season. We love you big daddy. Munira and Adriana Grinnage
August 18, 2009
I send my most sincere condolences to the Gambino family. For it is a deep loss to loose someone so great. I will always keep Russ in my heart.
James Gambino Sr.
August 18, 2009
Russ, "Big Daddy" was like a big brother who was loved very much. There are so many fond memeories. To my friends he was a legend. We will all miss him. To my family,take comfort in the many joys Russ brought into this world. Cousin Jimmy,Kathy and family.
Cheryl Johnson
August 18, 2009
To The Gambino Family, May God be with you during these times of sorrow. Russ "Big Daddy"Gambino was a good man! He was a kind and funny man. I will always remember his smile. He was a talker and would try to sell you everything in his store if he could. I will miss him. The Lady's that shopped at his store won't look the same or be the same without him. God bless your family during these times of sorrow.Take care!
Monique Greene
August 17, 2009
With deepest sympathy to the Gambino family. We will miss you Russ.
Albert Edmonds
August 17, 2009
My deepest condolences goes out to the Russ G. family.
I worked with Russ for about 4 years, 1990's.
Craig Minor
August 17, 2009
With deepest sympathy and heartfelt loss. Craig & Cheryl Minor
Steffanie Morrison
August 17, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
barb tiffany/bostwick
August 17, 2009
i am so sorry for youre loss angela. remember the good times and laughter
August 17, 2009
To Gambino family,May you find comfort in each other at your time of sorrow. May God bless you. Jake Davis
christina jacob
August 17, 2009
To Hattie,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Natalie DeMartino
August 17, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathy,
I will never forget the fun and laughter whenever Russ was around and the many "Big Daddy" stories. He will be missed.
Cousin Natalie and Family
Frank Caporale
August 17, 2009
I will always remember the rides home from "the base". Friends for a life time and brother Marines forever.My sympathies to the family,God Bless.
Dean Gambino
August 17, 2009
My deepest sympathy.
I was shocked to hear of such an unexpected demise. I still remember all the times we went skiing togeather.
There will never be a "Big Daddy" as colorful and full of life as Russ.
Dean, Liz, Lauren, Ashley & Brooke Gambino
GARY MONTERO
August 17, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cynthia Patterson
August 17, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. (R.I.P. Russ)
Deanna Santino
August 17, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Philip Scampone
August 17, 2009
To Harriet, Andy, and family;
Our deepest sympathy. I have known Russ since we played Little League baseball many years ago and we have remained friends since.
Carol and Phil Scampone
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