Robert Louis Gamboa's Obituary
Robert “Bobby” Gamboa, 97, of Largo, Florida, formerly of Staten Island, New York, passed away peacefully in his home on March 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 27, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bobby was the son of Louis and Anna Gamboa (née Fay). He grew up in the Rosebank section of Staten Island and later built a life in the Concord neighborhood, where he spent more than 60 years creating a home that became a gathering place for family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to walk through its doors. In his later years, he relocated to Largo, Florida, carrying that same warmth and spirit with him.
After high school, Bobby proudly joined the United States Navy in 1945 during World War II, where he served as a radar technician. Following his military service, he worked at the Bayonne Navy Yard, attended electrical school, and later joined the Naval Reserves. He eventually took a position at Pinkerton as an electrician. Bobby was a true jackofalltrades. In time, he founded Bobby Gamboa Home Improvements, serving his community for more than 30 years.
Music was the heartbeat of Bobby’s life. He was a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, and a natural performer with a gift for rhythm. At just 17 years old, he was bandleader and drummer of the Bobby Gamboa Orchestra and later joined the Richmondaires, filling countless rooms with rhythm, joy, and dance. Bobby also loved Sinatra. Whether behind a drum kit or tapping out a beat on the nearest surface, music lived in him. He kept the beat of his life going well into his 90s, playing the drums through his 95th birthday.
To know Bobby was to love him. He had a larger than life presence and a rare gift for making everyone in the room feel seen. He built friendships everywhere he went—once you met Bobby, you were a friend for life. Many of those friendships lasted more than 70 years, a testament to his loyalty, generosity and endless kindness.
Following his military service, Bobby met the love of his life, Florence in 1950. Together they shared nearly 70 beautiful years of marriage, raising four daughters and creating a home filled with laughter, music, and an opendoor spirit that defined their lives. Even after Florence’s passing in 2020, her love remained everpresent in the family they built together.
He adored his daughters and cherished every moment with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild during the final days of his life. He lived by the motto “the more the merrier,” a philosophy felt at every family party, holiday, and spontaneous gathering—even those held in the carport. Whether he was playing 25 bingo cards entirely from memory, choosing his loved ones’ birthday numbers for his lottery tickets, creating lawn art for family members, exploring the local music scene, or simply sitting around the dining table with friends and family, Bobby found his greatest happiness in togetherness.
He was, and always will be, our legend—and legends never truly leave us.
Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Florence (Sucky), his parents, Louis and Anna (Fay), his sister, Joan Gamboa, his sons-in-law, Ernest Croley and Eugene Duca. He is survived by his daughters, April Croley of Largo, Florida, Doreen Duca of Colonia, New Jersey, Dawn Nappi (Robert, Sr) of Staten Island, New York, and Kim O’Leary (David) of Seaside Park, New Jersey and his two sisters Mary Caran of Louisville, Georgia, and Margaret Lefko of Jacksonville, Florida; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild. He was also a very proud uncle to many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Bobby’s life will be held on March 23rd at 11:00 AM at Memorial Park Chapel, (outdoor) Memorial Park Cemetery, 49th Street, St. Petersburg, Florida.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Bay Pines Veterans Medical Center and the Accent Care Hospice team for their compassionate support, and to all family and friends for their love and kindness. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bobby’s memory to your favorite charity.
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