CDR Richard Gamble, USCGR (Ret.), 86, an educator, computer systems analyst, and decorated military officer, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2018 in Alexandria, Virginia/ The son of Charles Collin Gamble and Hazel (Hammond) Gamble, he was born on October 29, 1931 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts (B.A. 1958) and Bridgewater State University (M.Ed. 1962).
Richard held a variety of jobs starting at a very early age, including delivering newspapers, working on a farm, and ushering at a movie theater. He loved going to the YMCA, exercising, swimming, and attending summer camp.
Because he was eager to use the G.I. Bill to further his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 prior to being drafted. He served as a court reporter in the Judge Advocate’s office in Taegu, South Korea. Following his graduation from the University of Massachusetts, he taught social studies in Fairhaven, MA and New Bedford, while also pursuing a career in the military.
CDR Gamble received a direct commission to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves in 1960. A training officer who specialized in marine safety, port security, and information technology, CDR Gamble was particularly proud of the successes of all of his students. He was highly commended for developing and conducting a number of successful pilot training programs in Maine and Massachusetts. CDR Gamble was called to active duty as a special projects officer at Coast Guard headquarters from 1981 to 1985 and continued to work there in a civilian capacity as a computer systems planner until his retirement in 2008.
He was a member of the Reserves Officers Association, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, the Washington National Cathedral, and Masonic Lodge Quittacus in New Bedford.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Mary Ann (Varoutsos) Gamble, and his son, Philip C. Gamble and his wife, Joji. He is also survived by his brother, Robert H. Gamble of Fall River, MA; his sisters, Barbara Santos of New Bedford, and Patricia Sherman of Fairhaven; his nieces, Miriam Riding and Barbara Jo Gage; their loving families; and many other nieces and nephews.
CDR Gamble was predeceased by his first wife, Madeleine (Cooper) Gamble; his brothers Donald C. Gamble and Henry H. Gamble; and his sisters Hazel Damazo and Miriam Silva.
He will be missed by all who knew him for his loving spirit, kindness, bravery, strength, humor, and generosity. He was a man of great honor and integrity, having great love for his country, his faith, and his family.
Rick’s family would like to thank the caregivers who were so kind and caring to him during his recent illness.
A visitation will be held at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home in Alexandria, Virginia on Monday, August 20, 2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 11:00 am.
There will be a second visitation at the Lyons Funeral Home in Danvers, MA on Friday, August 24, 2018 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, followed by interment at Walnut Grove Cemetery, also in Danvers.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to: Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, 1005 N. Glebe Road, Suite 220, Arlington, VA 22201, www.cgmahq.org; The Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018, www.parkinson.org.
811 Cameron St
08/20/2018
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Thank you all for your very kind messages of sympathy and support. I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness.
My sincerest sympathy for your family’s loss. I regret I did not attend Rick’s funeral. Rick was the first person I met when I started as a civilian 28 yrs ago at HQ in “T”. Rick was my mentor. His warm, friendly personality made me feel welcome. The knowledge and experience Rick shared through his sea stories helped me as a civilian to better understand the CG history and culture. Rick was a living example of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Rick took great pride and ownership in everything he did. He never stopped until the job was done; right. He shared his knowledge, experience and work ethic with all whom he worked with. Rick made an immeasurable contribution to society that will be missed dearly. Rick was an old school member of Tom Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation”. I am a better person for having known Rick.
I remember Mr. Gamble. He was my teacher and Homeroom teacher at Normandin Jr. Hign School (New Bedford, MA) in 1962. He was a great teacher, he had a big impact on our class. To his family and friends, I offer my deepest sympathy. May he rest in Peace.
Dear Philip Gamble,
Please except my deepest sympathies for you and your family during this most difficult time.
May you be comforted by the out pouring of love and support from family and friends and knowing how much you loved, respected and cared for your dad.
Let the stories of a life well lived continue to bring you fond memories and peace during this time of bereavement and beyond.
God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Lenora Murphy
I, John L. Presutti, would like to say that all of Mr. Gamble family and friends will miss him dearly. After reading his obituary I had to let his family appreciate that we have a creator who is deeply concerned for the family and friends of Mr. Gamble. As a creator he is able to bring his love one back in the resurrection which is found for us in the bible. It is located at John chapter 5 verses 28 & 29 which in part says that all those in the memorial tombs will here his voice and come out. What a wonderful time it will be to see such ones again. I know Mr. Gamble displayed the qualities that God gave him such as a loving spirit, kindness, bravery, and strength in which he enlighten those around him with. Yes when Mr. Gamble comes back here on the earth he will use these God given gifts to once again to help others. For more information please see JW.org
Wishing you our deepest Condolences. Our hearts and Prayers are with you and the entire family.
I was saddened to read of CDR Gamble’s passing. I had the opportunity to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard with CDR Gamble during a few of his active duty periods of service. I will always remember him as an intensely caring and energetic officer. He mentored me and and gave tremendous support to the “special projects” we were assigned to work on as a Team. I am grateful that our paths crossed during our military careers.