Obituary of Ralph J. Gambardella

Ralph J. Gambardella, 75, of Manalapan passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Princeton Medical Center.  He was born and raised in Brooklyn living in the Red Hook and Gravesend neighborhoods, and moved to Staten Island before settling here in 2004.  Ralph was a detective with the New York City Police Department for 21 years until his retirement in 1989.  He was a member of the NRA, the Colonial Pistol and Rifle Range in Staten Island, the Central Jersey Rifle & Pistol Club, and the Union Hill Road Gun Club.  Ralph was a true outdoorsman who loved nature, enjoyed fishing, shooting and was an avid hunter.  He competed in shooting matches while representing the New York Police Department  and was a state champion multiple times.

Ralph had a unique sense of humor and loved to laugh.  He was a fantastic storyteller who possessed a phenomenal memory and could recall details that made you feel like you had actually been there.   His greatest treasure in life was his family; he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who finally got the two boys he always wanted when his grandsons were born.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Rodriguez and Marie Gambardella.  Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Janet Gambardella; daughter, Alaina Rizzo and her husband, Joseph of Manalapan; two grandsons, Christian and Bryce; two step grandchildren, Joseph and Leo; his twin sister, Margaret and her husband, Al Benvenuto; brother, Joseph Gambardella and his wife, Susan; and nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:00 AM Funeral Mass on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 186 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ralph’s name may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 or the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD20852. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com