Mario Gambone

Mario Gambone of Norristown, PA, age 93, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 18, 2017.  He was born in Montella, Italy on September 10th, 1923 to the late Gennaro and Anna (Rizzo) Gambone.  He was the beloved husband of Elisabeth (Carbone) Gambone for 65 years.  He was father to Phyllis Manzi of Bryn Mawr, Gennaro Gambone of Berwyn, Anna Zimmer of Blue Bell Pennsylvania, and Brunella Altemus of Houston, Texas.  He was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his beloved brother Felice Gambone and sister Filomena Gambone.

As a young adult, Mario was passionate about farming.  With his wife Elizabeth at his side, he thrived at growing and cultivating his chestnut farm in Montella, Italy for the first 25 years of his adult life.   Mario dedicated his life to hard work and providing for his family.  In his early forties, he spent time working in Germany where he came to understand the opportunities that emigrating from Italy might provide to his family.   Mario was a man of integrity and self-sacrifice.  He was committed to providing for and educating his children.  In 1971 he moved his family from Montella, Italy to Norristown, Pennsylvania to give them the access to all the opportunity the United States could offer. 

Through his hard work, self-sacrifice, and commitment to family, Mario fostered an accomplished, compassionate, and caring extended family. His greatest joy was having all his family over, especially for Christmas Eve dinner. He enjoyed the occasions sitting at the head of the table, serving his handcrafted vino, and watching the family share the delicious food.  Over his life, the Christmas Eve family dinner grew from hosting a small few, to seating 37 members across 4 generations of family at the dinner table.  The dinner table he built.

Throughout his life Mario continued to live close to the earth and follow his passion for farming, tending his home garden and crafting his homemade wine. He enjoyed a simple life each day as an avid reader, watching soccer, playing cards at the Holy Savior Club, and relishing the occasional trips to his beloved Italy.  His legacy continues in the strength of unity and work ethic he defined for his family.  We will miss him. Relatives and friends may call on Saturday July 22, 2017, from 10-11AM at Holy Saviour Church, 407 East Main Street, Norristown Pa. Funeral mass will follow at 11AM, entombment St. Patricks Mausoleum. If so desired and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Saviour Church. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Volpe Funeral Home. Volpefh.com (610) 275-2583.

If so desired and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Savior Church.

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