Obituaries

Daniel Gambal, age 90, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, died Sunday evening at Regional Hospital of Scranton. He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Lefchak Gambal. Wed on November 23, 1953, the couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Born on December 18, 1923, son of the late William and Mary Dufala Gambal, Daniel was a graduate of the former Newton Ransom High School, Class of 1941. He proudly served in the United States Army. For over 40 years prior to his retirement, he owned and operated Gambal Excavating Company of Old Forge. A longtime member of St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, he was more recently a member at St. Stephen’s Russian Orthodox Church, both of Old Forge. He was also a member of the Old Forge Lions Club. A music lover, Daniel had served as the drummer for several local bands. A loving husband, father, grandfather, relative and friend, he will dearly be missed by all.
He is also survived by his two sons, David Gambal and wife Mandy of Pocono Lake, and Daniel Gambal and wife Dorothy of West Dundee, Illinois; four grandchildren, Melissa, Daniel, Christine and Joshua Gambal; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Walter and Stephen Gambal; and sisters, Anna Dorunda, Vera Blonsky, Olga Kostiak, Mary Gillow, Tatiana Lehmkuhl and Alice Pellock.
His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to both the staffs of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center and Geisinger – Mountain View Care Center and also to Drs. Kenneth Sebastianelli and Daniel Kazmierski for the excellent care they collectively gave to Daniel.
The funeral is scheduled to begin on Thursday at 9:15AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with 10:00AM funeral services in St. Stephen’s Russian Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Lane, Old Forge, with the Very Rev. German Ciuba, rector, officiating. Interment with full military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at St. Nicholas of Myra Cemetery in Old Forge.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 5:00-8:00PM at the funeral home. Parastas is scheduled for 7:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Daniel’s name to Gino J. Merli Veterans Center’s Activities Fund, 401 Penn Avenue, Scranton, 18503.