Frank Gambelli Obituary

Frank Gambelli, of Forked River, NJ, passed away on September 15, 2025. Born in Morristown, NJ, he lived a life marked by service, leadership, and devotion to family, community, and country.
Frank grew up and attended elementary and high school in Boonton, NJ. He attended The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State) and was commissioned at graduation as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marines. He earned his wings as a marine pilot on November 9, 1960. During his tenure, he was stationed at bases across the country, demonstrating leadership, dedication and courage and rose to the rank of Major.
Upon retirement from the military, Frank began his 35-year career in education in New Jersey as a physical education teacher in Roselle High School, a school administrator in Livingston, and a principal of Jefferson Elementary School and James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell, from which he retired in 1995. Frank had a lifelong passion for physical fitness and encouraged those around him to lead healthy, active lives. He could be found in the gym six out of seven days a week. Throughout his career, he inspired students and colleagues alike, encouraging young people to realize their full potential and fostering a love of learning. His guidance, positivity, and encouragement left a lasting impact on all.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Gambelli (nee Cordasco), his children and their spouses: Susan Gambelli-Louis and husband George of Cloverdale, CA; Cindy George and husband Michael of Bodega Bay, CA; Nancy Lemire and husband Brett of Sacramento, CA; and Michael Gambelli and wife Darian of Bernardsville, NJ; as well as nine grandchildren (Travis, Alexa, Steven, Jacob, Kevin, Matthew, Harrison, Reilly, and Edward) and four great-grandchildren (Teddy, Remy, Del and Ophelia). He also leaves behind his sister, Joanne Gambelli-Iannotta of Port Saint Lucie, FL, his loving sister-in-law Michele Cordasco, two nephews and their spouses, John Fitzgibbon, his wife Alisha and daughter Charlotte of Forked River, NJ, and Michael Fitzgibbon, his wife Kelly and sons Michael, Jr. and Noah of Clifton, NJ.
A visitation will be held at Riggs funeral home,130 North Main St. (Rt. 9), Forked River, NJ, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Monday, September 22, at 10 a.m., at St Pius X RC Church, 300 Lacey Rd., Forked River followed by military honors in recognition of Frank's service.
Frank Gambelli will be remembered for his intellect, warmth, unwavering dedication to education and country, encouragement of others and, most importantly, his love of family and friends. His words of wisdom to all were "DIG DEEP!"
Rest in peace, "Frankie." We love you and will miss you terribly.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to National MS Society, P.O. Box 88550, Carol Stream, IL, 60188. In memo, write for Michele Cordasco, Walk MS: Asbury Park 2026.
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