Jack passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on November 2, 2021 after a life well lived and enjoyed with his wife Kathy of 65 years. Jack fought serious health conditions in the later years and surprised us all with his “Ironman” strength and will to live as he told his wife Kathy, “I am fighting to stay alive to be with you.”
Jack was born in Fresno and only spoke Italian for the first 7 years of his life. He graduated from Fresno High School and attended Fresno City College. Jack was drafted into the US Army at the age of 19 and stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Upon his discharge in 1953, he met the “love of his life,” Kathy, and they were married a year later. Jack enjoyed designing, landscaping, and gardening in his yard; this gave him solitude and peace. Jack was a salesman all his life and owner/operator of a distributing business.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Kathy, son Vincent and his wife Kimberly, daughter Lori, and grandchildren Alexa, Ava and Mia Gambero, sister Tena Meadors and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his loving parents Henry and Mary Gambero (Ortine), and brother Tommy Gambero.
Jack lived his life by a stubborn strength with his extraordinary sense of humor, larger than life personality who greeted everyone with a smile. He was the “life” of the party and loved to dance the night away with Kathy. He had a deep love for history and music. Jack was a proud member of the Dante Club of Fresno as a past President, Bocce Ball Champion, MVP and was involved in numerous social gatherings. Jack had an immensely strong work ethic, huge heart and was always there to help family/friends in need.
Jack will be sorely missed but will stay in our hearts forever as a loving and compassionate Husband, Father, Brother, Brother in-law, Grandfather (Nono,) Godfather, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.
Graveside services will take place in honor and remembrance of our extraordinary Jack on November 18, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Peters Cemetery at 264 N. Blythe, Fresno CA, 93706.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Gambero family.
Arrangements by Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home.
