Barbara Garith "Gari" Gambino passed away peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 31, 2017 after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Rick Gambino; two sisters, Jackie Allen (Billy) of Houston, Serena Gambino of Fairhope; five sons, Rich Gambino of Mobile, Brett Gambino (Nicole) of Fairhope, Adam Gambino (Margaret) of Fairhope, Josh Gambino (Christy) of Fairhope and Luke Gambino (Susan) of Birmingham; 20 grandchildren; and countless friends and extended family members, including her extraordinary caregiver, Rose Bell.
She will be remembered mostly for her loving nature, her unflinching selflessness and her unwavering support for her family. "Mom" to her family and "Mrs. Gari" to employees of her family's restaurants, she was a matriarch and a truly unifying presence for all who were blessed enough to have known her. She will be missed greatly.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Gambino's Restaurant, 18 Laurel St., Fairhope, AL 36532, on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Research Foundation, www.michaeljfox.org.
