Edward Gambardella

Edward Gambardella, 70 of Waco entered the gates of heaven December 14, 2022, with his family by his side at Austin Ascension Seton Hospital.  Visitation will be held from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, Monday, December 19, 2022, at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Bellmead.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco.

Ed was born September 25, 1952, to Rose and Edward Gambardella in Manhattan, NY at Women’s Hospital. He worked in the newspaper industry for 40 years.  He enjoyed his leadership positions because he could help people get to the next level.  His career sent him to many places across the country, including the Waco Tribune-Herald and most recently, Publisher of the Clifton Record and Meridian Tribune.  He met many people and developed friendships that would last a lifetime.  His motto at work, “today we’re going to climb high mountains, who’s with me!”

Ed enjoyed many things, spending time with his wife, Edna (EJ).  They recently celebrated 25 years of marriage.  They were inseparable always with each other and enjoying life’s adventures.  He also enjoyed cooking, having people over to cook for, and always made everyone feel welcomed and like family.  He always took a human interest in people, never met a stranger, he met people that became friends.

Ed’s relationship with His Lord and Savior was very personal and very strong.  He loved the Lord, listening to Christian music throughout the day and reading scriptures to help him through life’s journey with all of its twist and turns.  His faith was strong and helped him continue to fight through his last day.

One of Ed’s good qualities was always looking for the best in people, plus helping them see the best in themselves.  He was an avid animal lover and over the years enjoyed his Cocker Spaniels Casey, Kirby, Angel and Addy.  More recently he enjoyed his four legged friends, CoCo and Crunchy.  He loved gardening and nature when he was able to devote time to it.

Ed is survived by his wife, Edna (EJ) Gambardella; sons, Paul Gambardella and wife, Lisa and Matthew Gambardella; daughter, Shannon Herod and soulmate, Devin Barton; grandsons, Aiden and Bryan Gambardella and Beau Barton.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Dowdle, Ronnie Dowdle, Wayne Bowe-McLeod, Rod Washington, Francisco Islas, and Devin Barton.  Honorary pallbearers Gary Meyer, Sam Stewart, Bobby Stewart, Al Bumelis, Garland Haverkamp and John Toland.

A special Thanks to the Heart Transplant Team at Seton Hospital, the ICU, Third Floor and Physical Therapy medical professionals.  You all were like family to Ed or should I say SUPERMAN!

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Ed’s name to Fuzzy Friends or the Humane Society.