Paul Michael Gambino

Paul Michael Gambino, 78
Paul Michael Gambino, 78, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2014 peacefully surrounded by his family. Born February 18, 1936, in Rockford, the son of Frank and Marie (Cazzaniga) Gambino. Graduated from West High School, and St. Ambrosia University. Married Catherine E. Magnelia in Rockford on May 30, 1959. Paul was deeply involved in the community and served on many organization boards. Some of Paul's proudest accomplishments were being President of Rockford Area Association of Realtors, OSF St. Anthony's Medical Center foundation, Y's Mens Christmas Tree sales, and Chairman of the Rockford School Referendum in 1977 that was successful in bringing sports, arts, and extracurricular activities back to the Rockford Public Schools. Paul's first love was his family, second was his friends, then his business, Gambino Realtors and its employees, and finally his community. Paul loved Rockford, and thought it was the best community in the U.S. He wishes the best for Transform Rockford. His integrity and honor is exemplified by his accomplishments and success of his business, which has prospered since 1923. He loved to travel with Catherine to Mexico, and to gather at his favorite place with family and friends, "Bumpa's Beehive" in northern Wi. Paul was an avid skier, bicyclist and he enjoyed his Friday Buddies at the University Club.

Survivors include wife Catherine, son Frank (Angel) Gambino, daughters Paula (Daniel "Dutch") Rebhun, Lauren (James) Weber; grandchildren Trinity (Naton) Candiotti, August Gambino, Angelique (Justin) Jay, Danielle (Adam) Myers, Jay, Paul and Franchesca Weber, Rachel and Christian Rebhun, Brittany (Josh) Almonaci, Christina, Michael, and Gianna Gambino; great-grandchildren Daniel, Sammy, Michael, Harper, Giada, and Lucia. Predeceased by his parents, son Daniel, brother Joseph, and sister Mary Francis Rickert.
Arrangements: Services will be at Holy Family Catholic Church with Visitation at 9am and Funeral Mass will be 10 am Thursday, September 11, 2014 with the Rev. Gerard Christianson officiating. Private (family only) Burial in Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of Paul's Life will be held from 5-7pm at Giovanni's restaurant at 610 N Bell School Rd Rockford. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either Transform Rockford or OSF College of Nursing (Gambino Realtor Home Builders, Inc. Scholarship). Arrangements made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108 - To express condolences online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.