Lester B Gambacorta, Sr.

It’s been said that a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, but for Lester, he saw the opportunity in every difficulty. From his boyhood days when, after the loss of his parents, he was placed in an orphanage, he never felt slighted or bitter. When WWII started, he saw it as a chance to proudly serve the US Coast Guard. By the time he was an adult he could take any situation and turn it into a positive. Besides, rather then complain, about anything, his time was better spent focusing on his family. When it came to the kids, his goal was simple; instill in them his tireless work ethic, his strong sense of morality and then support them in all their endeavors. He owned Lester Signs in Riverside, where he thought nothing of working into his 90s. Even age couldn’t slow him down. Despite replacement knees, a quadruple bypass and a replaced aortic valve, he could still be found completing orders for his business. When he did have time for leisure, his hands were always busy tending to his garden or clapping for the Phillies. rn While at a dance in Yeadon, PA, a young woman named Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Focoso) caught Lester’s eye. She didn’t trust folks from over the bridge, but after Lester charmed his way into her heart, she found herself in Riverside, where they started their life together. Their 57 year marriage was blessed by their children: Lester, Jr. (Victoria Ward) of Riverside, Diana Rosati (Nicholas) of Cherry Hill, Bernadette Masciocchi (Francis) of Hainesport and again by their grandchildren: Bianca, Frankie, Bernadette, Vincent and Domenica. He was always close with his many nieces and nephews, especially Alice Cole, Jean Gambacorta and Judy Cranmer (Joe). Lester was predeceased by his parents: Marino and Virginia Gambacorta.rn Come celebrate Lester’s 90 wonderful years (February 3, 1921-August 18, 2011) Tuesday from 7-9 PM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside and Wednesday from 9:45-10:45 at Jesus the Good Sheppard Church (St. Peter’s Site), Riverside, where Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery.rn –