Thomas J. Gambacorta, born October 10, 1931, beloved “Poppy,” devoted family man, proud Marine and former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, passed away with his family and caretaker Ish by his side March 23, 2023.
Thomas was predeceased by his parents, Mary Gambacorto née Clemente and Joseph Gambacorto. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 68 years, Theresa J. Gambacorta née Ferraro; two children and their significant others, Deidre Baker and Mark Veltre, and Donna and Matthew Hakim; his blessed granddaughters, Dana Corcoran and her husband Colin, and Isabella and Lilliana Hakim; his great-granddaughter and namesake Daelynn Poppy; brother Dominic “Chubby” Gambacorto and wife Janet; his brother Guy Gambacorto; sister Pauline Gambacorto; sisters-in-law Mary Ferrogine and Esther Lauer; in addition to many nieces, nephews and friends.
Thomas grew up in Red Bank where he met his wife Theresa. They both attended Red Bank High School where Thomas was an outstanding athlete in football and basketball, earning the nickname “Footie.” He was elected vice president of his junior class and voted “Best Eyes.” He was invited to play football for the Pittsburgh Steelers but graciously declined and opted to serve in the Korean War as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his duty in the Marine Corps, Thomas studied computer processing and became district manager of Pergament Home Centers, where he took an early retirement following a workplace injury that caused him to endure severe back issues and pain he carried the rest of his life.
Thomas adored his granddaughters and attended Dana’s softball games, dance competitions and recitals, football games where she cheered, and every Halloween costume parade and school event. He often brought her to the In-Between (or “Crystals”) in Red Bank for pancakes. He was close to all her friends and attended many of their parties and weddings. He attended Isabella’s football games and cheer competitions and Lilliana’s barrel races, as well as countless soccer games, school shows and the Miss Delaware pageants that Isabella and Lilliana participated in as Little Sisters.
Whether it was linguine with clams at Dominic’s along with a nice glass of Cabernet, or a trip to Aruba, being with family and friends is what mattered most to Thomas. He loved watching the New York Rangers, Giants and Yankees, and spent many days with his friend George Tyluki watching “General Hospital,” discussing the most recent Quartermaine family drama.
Deeply religious, in his younger years Thomas served as an altar boy under Msgr. DeLorenzo at St. Anthony’s, Red Bank and considered joining the priesthood. He later joined the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven. He was a Eucharistic Minister and lent a loving ear to many people.
A longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, Thomas held high-ranking positions, including Grand Knight. His religious devotion helped him endure many tough obstacles in life.
He was also an enthusiastic part of every “Let Your Hair Down” charity event his family held for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
Thomas always made his family and friends feel loved and cherished. Whenever you would say “Hi, Pop” he would reply, “Hi, Pop.” He will be remembered for his huge, kind heart and ability to make people laugh. His ability to love and smile through pain was a testament to his faith and a gift to all who knew him. We were all blessed to have a Poppy like him. Thank you for loving us so much, Pop. Semper Fi.
Family and friends visited March 30 at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Mass was offered at the Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, 65 Mitchell Blvd., Suite 200-B, San Rafael, CA 94903 or online at naaf.org.
The article originally appeared in the April 6 – 12, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
