Obituaries

Helen (Lefchak) Gambal, age 93 and a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away Wednesday, July 21st, at Gino Merli Veteran Center in Scranton. On January 26, 2014, Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Daniel Gambal.
Born on June 27, 1928, and raised in Old Forge, Helen was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth (Galayda) Lefchak. A graduate of Old Forge High School, she had worked as a Mechanical Inspector at Maxson Products in Old Forge. Always active, especially in her sons’ activities, Helen provided the public relations for the Old Forge PTSA, the Cub Scouts, and the Minute Men Drum and Bugle Corps. She was also a devoted volunteer for the American Cancer Society managing several locations during their Daffodil Days fundraising events. Her passion was her art, mainly featuring oil painting focused on the coal mining theme. Her paintings were featured throughout northeast Pennsylvania at several art shows. Helen was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas of Myra Church in Old Forge.
Certainly loved by all who knew her, she’ll forever be missed by her loved ones. She is survived by her loving sons, David Gambal of Old Forge and Daniel Gambal of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; her four grandchildren, Melissa and husband, Weston Harris, Daniel Gambal and wife, Nicole, Christine and husband, Max Smith, Joshua Gambal and wife, Samantha; and many nieces and nephews.
The last surviving of five siblings, she was also preceded in death by brothers, George and Michael Lefchak, and sisters, Pauline Hanna and Mary Kotnarowski.
The Gambal Family would like to express their appreciation to everyone who took care of Helen, especially the staff of the Old Forge Manor, Riverside Rehabilitation and Nursing, Allied Skilled Nursing Facility, and the Gino Merli Veteran’s Center. Additional thanks are given to Dr. Nicholas Chimento and Dr. Glen Finney and their dedicated staffs.
Funeral services will begin on Monday at 9:15 AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main Street in Old Forge, with a 10:00 AM funeral service at St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Old Forge, 140 Church St, Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. Eduard Shestak, Pastor. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.