Library honors Gambino

Late supporter recognized with plaque.

By: Matt Kirdahy
   Though the feelings of despair that accompany the loss of a loved one were evident at the Cranbury Public Library on May 9, the crowd of about 90 residents smiled and applauded speakers who told anecdotes in memory of a beloved Cranburian and library enthusiast — Tom Gambino.
   Ginny Swanagan of the library board of trustees stood at a podium set beside an object draped in a white cloth. She welcomed an audience that included Mr. Gambino’s family and friends, board of trustee members, township officials and neighbors to commence the dedication of the library’s public meeting room in memory of a man people called "a storyteller."
   Mr. Gambino died Oct. 8, 2002, after fighting stomach cancer. He was a farrier for 22 years and was known among his peers as a gifted woodworker.
   Mr. Gambino served on the Township Committee for nine years beginning in 1992, serving as mayor for three years. He was the curator of the Cranbury Museum for two years. He was on the Planning Board and also was a member of the Lions Club. He also played an active role in the restoration of the Old School Building, forming the Clock Winders Committee to oversee the maintenance and operation of the school’s mechanical clock.
   On a plaque hanging on the wall outside of the room, the name "Thomas W. Gambino" is embossed on a bronze plate. Inside the room a framed picture of Mr. Gambino hangs, showing him reclined in a cushioned chair, legs crossed reading one of his favorite magazines "Wooden Boat."
   "That’s definitely Tom," library trustee Jennifer Kanawyer said, standing by the picture that exemplifies how people remember Mr. Gambino.
   Her husband, Bill Kanawyer, was among the four speakers at the dedication, which also included Mayor Pari Stave, Harvey Moskowitz of the Planning Board, Chief School Administrator Carol Malouf, Ms. Swanagan and Mr. Gambino’s son, daughter and four brothers.
   Mr. Gambino’s daughter, Elise Gambino, wiped away tears and her voiced wavered when she said, "reading was a passion he shared with everyone." Her brother Chris stood over her shoulder.
   Ms. Gambino said the family took donations in her father’s name and collected a total of $5,000 that will be given to the library.
   Mr. Gambino’s brothers Jim Goodman, Richard, Jerry and Michael Gambino, unveiled the gift, which had been concealed under a white cloth after their niece spoke. Together they lifted the cloth and underneath was what they called a "storytelling chair."
   The green and beige chair depicted a verdant landscape sewn into the back that extended to the arms.
   Library Director Howard Zogott said the surprise gift was indicative of what Mr. Gambino enjoyed doing most — telling stories to anyone willing to listen or as Mr. Moskowitz joked, "even anyone who didn’t listen."
   Mr. Moskowitz held up a framed sketch of the Wright South property drawn by Mr. Gambino. He said this is what he hoped the parcel would look like once all of the planning was in place.
   The sketch outlined a future library building and other concepts that have been considered by township officials for a possible look for the 12-acre parcel.
   "Tom Gambino’s vision of Cranbury is what we see today," Mr. Moskowitz said. "It was an honor and pleasure to have known him."
   Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein also was on hand to share her memories of Mr. Gambino. She presented Mr. Gambino’s widow, Pat Gambino, with a resolution signed by Assemblywoman Greenstein and Assemblyman Gary Guear.
   Assemblywoman Greenstein read a line of the resolution: "It is for the uncommon degree of Tom’s community involvement that spans decades." She handed the blue folder over to Ms. Gambino.
   "He was Mr. Cranbury to me," the assemblywoman said before shaking each of the family member’s hands.