Frank Joseph Gambardella obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Frank Joseph Gambardella, 81 of East Haven passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026 at CT Hospice in Branford. He was the devoted husband of Donna (Bimonte) Gambardella who passed away back in 1987. Frank was born April 20, 1944 in New Haven to Frank and Christine (Capone) Gambardella.

Frank is survived by his loving and devoted son, Stephen Gambardella (Christine Welles) of East Haven along with three granddaughters who he adored; Emma Gambardella, Sophia Gambardella and Donna Gambardella. Frank is also survived by his dear friend and sister-in-law, Joann Esposito of New Haven, sister-in-law, Patricia Gambardella of North Haven along with numerous nieces and nephews; Sal Esposito (Cherie), Joseph Esposito (Tara), Donna Coulston (George), Andrea Gambardella and Lisa Gambardella (Robert Toner). He also leaves behind numerous great nieces and nephews; Vinny Esposito, Ava Esposito, Sal Esposito Jr., Jake Esposito, Gia Buonfiglio, Michael Coulston, Christina Coulston and Zach Pearce and many cousins, especially, Diane Wilson (Ed).

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna (Bimonte) Gambardella and a brother, Anthony Gambardella, whom he loved dearly.

Frank was raised in New Haven on Ferry Street. He proudly served in the United States Army Reserve for five years. As a teenager, he worked at A&P, where he met the love of his life, Donna. He eventually progressed to store manager in East Haven. His career later brought him to Quinnipiac University in 1991. He loved his job and coworkers in Facilities, who became like family to him. He especially enjoyed watching the Quinnipiac Hockey team and was a season ticket holder. He retired in 2012. Frank was an avid fan of the New Haven Blades hockey team in his younger years, as well as the New York Yankees and the San Francisco 49ers.

Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and great friend to all who knew him. He had a special bond with his son and all his son’s friends. Above all, nothing brought Frank more joy than spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters.

Family will receive friends on Thursday February 12, 2026 from 4 to 7 Pm in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. All are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday February 13 at 11 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Bernadette, 385 Townsend Ave., New Haven CT (Please go directly to the church on Friday) with Committal/Burial and full US Army Honors to follow at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven.