Mark Charles Gambescia

Mark C. Gambescia, 75, retired in Buckeye AZ; formerly of Burke VA; born in Philadelphia and raised in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Loving husband of 35 years to Lucille “Lucy” (Chihocky). Father of Nikki Morgan (David Charles Morgan IV), AnnMarie Gambescia (Zachary McEwan), and Anthony “Tony” Gambescia. Grandfather to Riley, David V, Taylor, Charlie, and Sadie.

Fourth child of the 16 children (third of seven sons) to the late Deacon Joseph M. Gambescia, M.D. and Mary E. (Botto). Brother to the late Joseph, Jr. (Barbara), Elisa Esmonde (Mike), Frances Anne, Denis (Kathy). He will be dearly missed by siblings Merri Tozer (Curt, d), Gregory (Dolores), Concetta Novak (Chris, d.), Mario (Helen), Angela McCormick (Jerry), Margaret Mary, Stephen (Susan), Marita Gaudini (Frank), Susanne Whitworth (Mike), John (Maria), and Ann Marie Zaladonis (Joseph). Uncle or granduncle to 140 decedents. Brother-in-law to (Michael, d.), Elizabeth, Maria Lyles (Kevin), Theresa, Anthony (Stephanie), and Anne.

Having moved from Havertown, PA at age 12, Mark belonged to St. Matthias Parish in Bala Cynwyd, PA (Married in that church in 1990) and graduated from St. Matthias School (’63). He is a 1968 graduate of Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, PA.

At age 17 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, helped by his oldest brother Joe who cajoled his father to approve an early enlistment. Attended Boot Camp in Parish Island, Port Royal, SC and sent to Vietnam with the 1st Reconnaissance BN, 1st Marine Div. Company D, now referred to as 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion. He served from 5 Sept. 1968 to 20 Feb. 1970, leaving as a corporal and later to return as a lifelong active service Marine and officer.

Mark quickly qualified as an expert in pistols and rifle and after earning aircrew wings, he was designated Marine reconnaissance in which small units of the “Swift, Silent, and Deadly” were the precursor “eyes and ears” behind enemy lines for their comrades who would be able to make strategic strikes. In addition to his seven individual campaign medals for recognition as a valiant warfighter, his unit was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross for bravery in combat.

After the war ended, he went on reserve for a brief stint, not knowing that he would be a “lifer” serving his country full time again. He was the third son in the military with two older brothers in the US Coast Guard and Navy creating their own “Band of Brothers,” and his father served overseas in a hospital in Germany, in infectious disease research, for the Army as a Captain at the close of WWII.

Mark’s Marine training and experience made him a natural teacher for the many younger siblings in “the school of hard knocks” - rooms were to be clean, chores done, parents to be highly respected. His parents relied on him in many ways for the good of the order in a group three times the size of most baby-boom families. Mark was a long-time mentor for his coming-of-age younger siblings teaching them how to negotiate with parents, shoot pool, drive, behave on dates, stay out of trouble, and discuss next steps when in trouble.

He could be counted on to make major family celebrations, even when he was far away. When returning to home from tours or assignments in the service, such as Hawaii, Japan, Norfolk, DC, and some undisclosed locations, he made sure there was a cameo-style entrance. The first order when returning home was ordering a Philly-style cheesesteak from Mama’s Pizzeria. For the rest of the gang at home he bought a six-foot hoagie. He was known for his prodigal gifts during Christmas, naturally favoring the young kids but the older ones prayed to have him as their Secret Santa. One of his favorite return-to-home visits was for the Men of Malvern Laymen’s Weekend Retreats each December with his father and six brothers and later many nephews. There, all the men remained grateful to God that “the boy” had come home safely.

Mark took an unusual leap from being a Warrant Officer, the most respected rank for enlisted Marines, to becoming an officer. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University in 1990, noting “I did it for Dad, more so than for me.” Mark took his interest and experience in on-the-ground, granular military intelligence literally to the sky when repatriated to active duty, and later to civilian jobs, in geospatial intelligence. As an Intelligence Officer he served many years as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force leader, Tactical Intelligence and Analyst, and Imagery Interpretation specialist. These took place at Marine Headquarters and with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C.

A consummate bachelor who could always find a beach to lounge on and enjoy a Heineken beer, he disappointed all betters by marrying Lucy and raising three children in Burke, Virginia. After over 24 years of service in the Marines, he retired as a Major in 2001. Committed to service he joined the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency “NGA” to serve as a consultant for Marine Intelligence. During his 20+ years at National Geospatial Intelligence Agency “NGA” (following his retirement from military service), Mark did two 6-month tours in Afghanistan. Due to the highly classified nature of his imagery work with NGA, he never divulged specifics with anyone.

Interment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery where he will be honored and remembered (date and time to be announced.)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a Donation of Remembrance in Mark’s Name to: City of Hope in Duarte, CA: https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/give/286522/#!/donation/checkout or Semper Fi & America's Fund: https://www.thefund.org that offers immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to critically wounded, ill, and injured service members and military families, including those in the Marine Corps.