Rita Gambino

Mrs. Rita Gambino (neé Harihar), 59, of Mount Olive Twp., passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Rita was born in Tokyo, Japan and spent her formative years living in London, England, and ultimately settled down in Budd Lake, New Jersey with her husband of 32 years, Mr. Russell R. Gambino.  They met and exchanged love many miles apart, during the times she was back in England living with her family. Together, they began a life of vast experiences and unconditional love, originating back to the friends that brought them together. It was here in New Jersey that their distinct cultures and all-encompassing perspectives unite to create a beautiful family.

A curious explorer, Rita was fond of absorbing more of the world every day. Prior to becoming a homemaker, she worked as a travel agent and spoke and wrote in a handful of languages, but was always oriented toward learning more. By the time she was married, she had already traveled to many countries globally and continued to share her love of traveling with her husband as they visited South East Asia for their honeymoon. As her family grew, she also initiated countless family road trips and traversed almost every state of America in her adulthood. Rita was inspired, daring, and genuinely loved others. People who have crossed paths with her say she was a wise and well-respected, feisty, and unbelievably caring woman, whom they will never forget their memories of.

She was a comedian and was her happiest when bringing smiles to her family and others through laughter. She had a positive and persevering attitude that radiated unshakeable strength to those she touched. She thrived and enjoyed being her best self as a wife and mother, brilliantly conquering her roles from Girl Scout Troop Leader to Dance and Marching Band Mom to classroom chaperone. In more recent years, she continued to feed her curiosity about the world by attempting new hobbies and adventures, such as cooking, woodworking, and crafting with her mother and daughters. She often found happiness in creating beautiful masterpieces for and with those she loved, especially during frequent family band sessions.

Rita was selfless and altruistic, something that cannot be said for many, giving her time and energy to others for the means of their happiness, even if it meant silently sacrificing herself. She will be sorely missed and forever cherished from all corners of the globe for her unique, passionate, and genuine soul that touched the hearts of many.

Rita is predeceased by her parents, Tattamangalam and Jaya Harihar.

She is survived by her husband, Mr. Russell R. Gambino and her daughters, Kristyne Jaya, Gabriella Lauraine and Noelle Rita Alexandra Gambino of Mount Olive Twp., New Jersey, as well as, her sister, Mrs. Shamla Mani, and family of Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

Rita’s family would like to invite friends and loved ones to give their regards on Friday, September 17, 2021 at a Memorial Gathering and service from 1-3pm at the Franklin Memorial Park followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Feed The Children or another charity benefiting children, the elderly, or animals. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.indiafuneralservice.com.

“The Oak Tree” (a message of encouragement)

A mighty wind blew night and day.

It stole the oak tree’s leaves away,

Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark

Until the oak was tired and stark.

But still the oak tree held its ground

While other trees fell all around.

The weary wind gave up and spoke,

“How can you still be standing, Oak?”

The oak tree said, “I know that you

Can break each branch of mine in two,

Carry every leaf away,

Shake my limbs, and make me sway.

But I have roots stretched in the earth,

Growing stronger since my birth.

You’ll never touch them, for you see,

They are the deepest part of me.

Until today, I wasn’t sure

Of just how much I could endure.

But now I’ve found, with thanks to you,

I’m stronger than I ever knew.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Gambino, please visit our floral store.