Obituary of Ronald Gamella

Ronald Gamella passed peacefully on February 24, 2021.  He shared 79 years of love and laughter with his family.  Friends and relatives may visit on Wednesday, March 3rd from 4-7 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.  A Funeral Service will begin at 6:30 that evening.  Donations in Ronnie’s name may be made to the good work of 11th Hour Rescue by way of www.inmemof.org.  Please share your memories here. His family will cherish them. 

Ron was born on March 9, 1941 to the late Anthony and Helen Gamella.  He was one of three children to bless the family.  As a young man in high school, he met Margaret Cassidy.  In 1958, their courtship began and has continued for over 63 years.  They married on July 11, 1964 and started a family of their own.  Ron enlisted with the US Army and proudly served our country.  Upon his honorable discharge he started his long-time career with Hoffmann La Roche.  He worked hard to be sure the kids wanted for nothing.  He adored his Maggie and wanted to be sure she had the best life with him.  As the kids grew, the Gamella’s headed west to the country.  They bought a home on Germantown Rd. in West Milford allowing for much more enjoyment of the lake, the outdoors and the sunshine.  Ron remained with his Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps for many years.  He loved music and playing the trumpet with the fellas.  When he was home his favorites were always on the radio- Ferguson, Manilow, Mangione to name a few.

Ronnie enjoyed running and taking care of himself, although he definitely enjoyed the occasional cigar. He needed all the energy he could get keeping up with his grandkids!  He enjoyed talking with everyone and was always ready with a joke.  The holidays with Ron were magical.  He would decorate their home and always went over the top with decor, music, food and lights.  He had a way of making everyone feel special and loved.  He was an animal lover and always had a family pup by his side. 

Above everything Ron adored his family the most.  The sun rose and set on Maggie and he was so proud of his children.  He was the doting Poppy to eight and shared the kids accomplishments with everyone who would listen.  This family patriarch will surely be missed but we will never stop sharing his jokes and searching for moments filled with him.

He leaves his wife Margaret of 57 years; his children (along with their nicknames from Dad) Elizabeth “Queeney” Ricciardi (Rocco); Deborah “Precious” Smedley, Ronald “Rocky” Gamella Jr. and Christine “Dukie” Altes (Leo); his adored grandchildren Emily Ricciardi, Noelle, Bryanna, Britney and Tyler Smedley, and Jazmin, Leo and Jaydn Altes; his sister Toni Brady and brother in law James; niece Heather, nephew Scott and many more dear friends and relatives.  His beloved sister Amelia Farber and his dear son in law Ken Smedley passed previously.