Charles Henry Gamble

Charles Henry Gamble, 45, of Bloomfield passed away suddenly at his home on February 18. He was born March 20, 1970 to the late Henry Gamble of Wethersfield, and the late Donna Gamble of Douglasville, GA, both formerly of South Glastonbury. He is survived by his stepmother, Jane Gamble of Arundel, ME, his brother Anthony Gamble of Oakland, CA, his brother John Gamble and his wife Ann of Old Saybrook, his sister Mary-Alice Polverelli and her husband Steven of Cromwell, his sister Natalie Griffin and her husband Sean of Bloomfield, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Charles graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1989 and from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Newington in 1995. At the time of his passing he was employed as a Licensed Massage Therapist with Massage Envy in West Hartford and at another location in Southington. He also worked as a caregiver for three young boys who adored him, and was building an internet business to better his own life and the lives of others who joined him in the venture.

Charles loved to cook, spend time with his family and friends, and was always willing to lend a hand. He dreamed of one day building a cabin and living the simple life, off the grid in a place of peace.

His struggle with depression was known to those close to him, but he hid the depths of his pain behind his ever-present smile.

Charles’ friends and family regret that the warmth so many felt in his presence couldn’t be reflected back strongly enough to light his way out of darkness. He was surrounded by people who loved him, and whom he loved, and it is with great effort that we reach beyond our own pain to understand his desire to leave this world. We can only hope that he is at peace.

Charles spent his life caring for and empowering others, both in his work and in his personal life. He was a volunteer throughout the course of his life, serving in soup kitchens, food pantries, with Special Olympics, and as a Fidelco dog parent.

His presence will be missed by those he touched along the way, many of whom say they are better off for having known him. Now is his time to take care of his own spirit and forever rest in peace, completely off the grid.

Calling hours are Sunday, February 28, 1 to 3 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, followed by a memorial service, 3-4 p.m., also at Swan Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’ name to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Connecticut, 576 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105, Attn: Iris Nazario. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com to sign the online guestbook.