Charlie Gambichler passed away on October 12, 2023 in Saratoga Springs, NY at the age of 97. Charlie was born in New York City on September 14,1926 to Bertha and Ludwig Gambichler. He grew up, along with his sister, Frieda, brothers Frank, George and Martin in Yorkville, NY. He served in the Navy during WWII and came back to NYC to work at Prentice Hall. It was there that he met the love of his life, Eileen O’Connor and they married on May 5, 1951. Charlie and Eileen settled in Ridgewood, NY and Charlie began to realize that marrying Eileen meant marrying her whole family. They moved to Uniondale in 1965 with not only with the girls, but with Eileen’s mother and brother as well.

Charlie worked for over 40 years as a butcher with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea company in various stores in NYC. During this time, he and his wife opened a coffee shop in Uniondale called Charlie’s Wife’s Place. When the grandchildren came along, they retired and became the caretakers from pre-school to college. Charlie’s beloved wife, Eileen, pre-deceased him on June 28, 2004. He is survived by his “girls” – Ellen, Terri Steibel (Scott) and Irene Spinelli (Matt), his two grandchildren Katy Scullin (Andy) and Andrew Marsh (Hilary). In addition to his many loving nieces and nephews from the Gambichler, O’Connor and Skelly relations.

After Eileen’s passing, Charlie traveled the world by sea and air and was always amazed at the places he went and saw. Although he was wary of new situations – i.e. not sure if he would like the food in Italy, he always came back home raving about his travels. Charlie always had a smile to give and was very quick witted. We will hold him close to our hearts for the rest of our lives. Visiting hours for family and friends will be held Tuesday, October 17th from 4 pm – 8 pm, at the Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Homes, 2515 N. Jerusalem Rd. (Exit 25N SS PKWY) East Meadow, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 18th at 10 am at St. Raphael R.C. Church in East Meadow, NY. Charlie will be laid to rest at Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY with Eileen.