Joseph Henry Gambino

Joseph Henry Gambino, of Mission Viejo, aged 92 & 1/2 years young, passed away peacefully from Aspiration Pneumonia & Alzheimers disease, Friday, April 8th 2016 at Saddleback Memorial Hospital surrounded by family & friends. Born August 10th, 1923 to John & Pauline Gambino, in New Orleans, LA, the sixth of eight children & second son to his parents. Joe schooled & graduated from Redondo Union High School, Redondo Beach, CA. In November 1942, he joined the United States Navy, serving in both World War II, the Korean War & in the Navy Reserves, receiving a honorable discharge March 11,1952. Upon discharge, Joe returned to his former employment at Chevron Oil Company,(now Chevron USA), El Segundo for 46 years of service, retiring in 1985. Joe married Claudia Dellinger, July 21, 1973 on the Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA. Joe volunteered at Nixon School, Cerritos as head of paper drives, Newsette and in all the Musicals & Parades. He appeared as Sonny Bono, Cave Man Alleoope, Mickey Mouse, This Old Man, Mary's Little Lamb, A Baby, Santa and many others. He volunteered his time as Baseball Coach at the Sports Program, Cerritos for 11 years & also the Challengers Baseball Team, Lake Forest. He was PTA President of Tetzlaff Jr. High School, Cerritos 1986-1989, 33 rd District PTA President for ABC School District 1989-1990. An active member of New Life Community Church, the Tremble Clefs Singing Group, Laguna Hills and American Legion Post 862, Mission Viejo, CA. Joe's hobby & interests were model trains and anything on WWII. He valued his family & friends Joe is survived by his dear wife Claudia of 43 years, daughter Keri (Jim) La Mar, son Brandon (Melanie) Gambino, grand daughters Isabella, Charlotte & Juliette Gambino, sister Virginia (John) Texer of Colorado and many nieces & nephews. A time of visitation will be held Monday, 18th April at Fairhaven Memorial Services, 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 from 5-8pm. Joe's Funeral Service will be conducted Tuesday, 19th April in the Chapel of Fairhaven Memorial Services, 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, commencing at 10am. with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630 at 2.30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Tremble Clefs PAOC, 27068 La Paz Road #422, Aliso Viejo, CA 92856 & or Mt. of Olives Adult Day Program, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.