Giovanni Gamba

GAMBA, Giovanni (John) – Passed away peacefully at Sault Area Hospital with his wife by his side, after his family reminisced with funny Nonno stories, pizza and Italian music, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 89.

Born in Verbicaro, Cosenza, Italy, to the late Giuseppe and the late Filomena Gamba. John came to Canada at the age of 18. It was in Sault Ste Marie that he met his best friend and loving wife, Yolande (Gauthier), her Prince Charming, his Frenchie, and together shared almost 64 years of marriage.

Son-in-law of the late Armand and Laurette Gauthier of Smooth Rock Falls. Devoted father of Joseph Gamba (Angela); Loretta Alexander (Brett Jolin); and the late Michael Gamba (late Alison Taylor). Precious Nonno of Chris Britton, John and Rachelle Gamba; Michael Alexander and Amanda Baldwin (Michael); Nicole Taylor and T.J. Great-Nonno of Bay and Koa, Mena and Maddie Mathewson; Cooper and Lucy Baldwin; and Logan. Brother of the late Maria Chindamo (late Giovanni), late Rosina Desando (late Nicola), Grazia Raimondi (late Luigi), Carmine Gamba (Maria), and Lina Policicchio (Tony). Brother-in-law of the late Liliane Gagne (Laurent), Jeannette Gagne (late Raymond) (Gerd), late Robert (Diane), Gilbert (Joan), Rejean (Anne), Suzanne Gagne (Jean-Marie), Ronald (Lynn), Rachelle, late Denis (late Joyce), Richard, Lionel, Claude (Sandra), Aline Sparks (Larry), Carmen, and the late Normand (Lise). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Special friend to extended family, Sherry and Steve Casagrande, and special “Nonno” to Julia and Rachel.

To know our Nonno was to know laughter. He loved sharing stories, pulling harmless pranks, and finding joy in everyday moments. He was often laughing before he could finish a joke, and his laughter was infectious. Nonno brought joy to everyone around him. He had a deep love for gardening and proudly shared his seeds or plants. “Nonno peppers” now grow in Canada and the United States. Whether tending his garden, preserving, making homemade pasta and bread or working in his garage, he found happiness in creating things with his hands and sharing the fruits of his labour.

Our “Bocceman” was a proud member of the Soo 48 Club and the Marconi Club. He loved watching sports with his wife, and cherished watching his children and grandchildren play. He often volunteered to make porchetta to share with families on team trips. Above all, he cherished his family and leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories that will be treasured forever and carried forward.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. K. Woolner for her care, guidance and support. Special thanks to the SAH Cancer Clinic and Radiation Bunker doctors and staff, 3rd Floor SAH doctors, nurses, PSWs and staff; your professionalism, respect and kindness meant everything. To Bayshore and the exceptional care of nurse Michelle, in John’s words “you’re the best.”

At John’s request, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place. If so desired, memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) can be made to Sault Area Hospital Foundation - Cancer Care Fund or Tracy’s Dream would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East; 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com