Fr. Joseph Gamba dies at 93

DOYLESTOWN -- Rev. Father John Joseph Gamba, age 93, died November 21, 2009 at Doylestown Health Care Center, after receiving the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments. He had been in failing health for some time.

He was born October 30, 1916 in Amalfi, Italy to Marco and Natalina (Montewla) Gamba and was educated and ordained

a priest of the Dominican Order in Italy. He was a priest of the Columbus Diocese and served in Columbus at Christ the King Parish, Our Lady of Victory, St. Peter's and was hospital chaplain at Ohio State University Hospital. He also served at St. Nicholas Parish in Zanesville, St. Mary's in Lancaster and in New Philadelphia. He was Pastor of St. Genevieve Church in Calmoutier from 1970 to 1981 and at the same time was chaplain at Apple Creek Developmental Center. He then retired to Doylestown and served at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and was the chaplain for the Knights of Columbus in Wooster.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Ernesto Gamba and a sister, Maria Rotondo. He is survived by nieces and nephews and special friends, Fr. David McCarthy and Regina Jung.

A special thanks to Doylestown Health Care for their loving care.

The wake will begin with Vespers at 3 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2009 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church at 161 W. Clinton St., Doylestown, 44230. The wake will continue until 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Bishop James Griffin will be the principal celebrant. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Lockbourne, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 161 W. Clinton St., Doylestown, OH 44230. (Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Monday, November 23, 2009, page B5, coll. 3]]