"Joe" Joseph Daniel Gambino

Joseph Daniel Gambino, passed away at home on hospice Saturday, January 4, 2025 under the care of his loving family, Lutheran Senior Services Private Duty Nursing, and BJC Hospice. Born 01/07/1939 to Joseph J. and Iola I. Gambino, he grew up with his sister Judy in Pine Lawn, Missouri. Joe learned wood working and furniture repair for Selkirk & Sons, Inc. Auction Company, and shutter installation for Dandee Shutter from his late father -Joseph John Gambino, and the ability to talk and share his opinions from his late mother - Iola Irene Gambino (nee Murphy). 

He was big brother to Judith Lee (nee Gambino), brother-in-law to Richard Lee, Joe Vecera and his late wife Dottie (nee Krois). Loving uncle to Karen and Kirk Martin, Tim and Monica Vecera, Roxann and Darrell Naeger, Judy Lee Burt, Rick Lee, great nieces and nephews. Husband to his beautiful wife Helen (nee Krois). Father to their son Thomas, daughter Michele Coombs and her husband Steve. Grandfather to Torrie Coombs, Brian Coombs, bonus grandkids- James Coombs, and Jessica Coombs. Cousin to many, especially Diane Osterholt (nee Schmahl) and her husband David- daughter to his late aunt Constance (nee Gambino) and uncle Dale Schmahl. 

Joe was friend to many. He worked at keeping in touch with friends from St. Paul Parish School, CBC Class of 57, as well as his Lamda Beta Lamda fraternity brothers. Joe’s work life included- a short term of active duty in the Army, then Army Reserves; work in Sales in: Real Estate, copiers, Telecommunications; work for Selkirk & Sons, Inc. Auction Company; Dandee Shutters; a short time as a member of IEBW in telecommunications installations; being an over the road truck driver; driving for SCAT; and as a volunteer soccer coach in Florissant, Missouri with the Khoury league Knobloch Insurance team in the early 70s; as well as being a soccer coach for Ascension Church of Chesterfield when his kids were young (1978-81). Joe was also involved with the Knights of Columbus at Ascension. 

He enjoyed traveling to Florida where he and Helen had a home in a senior community for several years. He loved to garden in his backyard, feed the birds and chipmunks, and fight off the squirrels. Joe enjoyed and was good at working with his hands. He repaired many items of furniture for friends and family. His wood working knowledge and skill were much appreciated. 

One of the other things Joe enjoyed to do was talk! In honor of him, there will be a celebration of life on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the Creve Coeur Memorial Building ASSN., The American Legion Post 397, at 934 E Rue De La Banque, Creve Coeur, Missouri 63141 following a 10 am Mass at Ascension Church of Chesterfield to allow everyone that would like to, to come and sit and talk- about Joe and your memories of him.

To share a memory of Joe or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.