THE WALL OF FACES

I had a wonderful experience growing up Joe’s next-door neighbor. We shared many good times together. I always respected Jo to the challenge. He put in for some self every day whether it was education sports or serving his wonderful country. I visit the wall and think of Jo always. I miss you buddy.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died on your 24th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

1LT Joseph Gambino Jr. is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery and Mausoleum in Hartsdale, NY.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

As we approach our 45th reunion, I have taken on the responsibility of updating our class directory in hopes of accounting for as many classmates as possible. Unfortunately, that includes updating the list of classmates who are deceased, a number that grows every year as we age. The first name that always comes to mind is Joe Gambino, not just for me but for every member of our class. I have yet to speak to a single classmate that doesn’t remember Joe an have great things to say about him. Every single classmate seems to have actually known Joe and for a class of about 850, that says something. Everyone liked Joe without exception. He was warm, friendly to everyone, absolutely non-judgemental. I don’t know that I can recall him without a smile on his face and a nice word. He never shied away from doing what was right, one of the best human beings I’ve know. I daresay that every classmate who has been to the Wall has found and touched his name, as he touched so many. In one of a number of schools that supposedly graduated “the best,” Joe Gambino was definitely one of the “best of the best.” Rest in Peace, Joe.

Went to Bronx Science with Joe, then to Cornell. We saw each other sporadically at school and I lost track of him after graduating, except thru Class Notes and the like. Saw the Vietnam Wall soon after it was built and found his entry. RIP, Joe.