WESTFIELD – Clifton W. Gamble, Jr., 91, (1930 – 2022) passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Baystate Noble Hospital. He was born in Huntington to the late Muriel (Clark) and Clifton W. Gamble, Sr.
Cliff is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Beverly J. (Mulville) Gamble of Westfield, his loving children, Beth A. Gamble of Southampton, Tracy W. Gamble and his wife Lisa of Westfield, Stuart W. Gamble of Westfield and Martha J. Scavotto and her husband Gary of Westfield, his three cherished grandchildren, Grace E. Slesinski and her husband Ted, Olivia T. Reding and her husband Josh, and Kristie V. Scavotto and his great-granddaughter, Aria Slesinski. In addition, he leaves several nieces and nephews: Tim and Dawne Gamble of Russell, Chris Gamble and Sue Kallerges of Huntington, Lorraine and Ken Wickland of Huntington, Geraldine Manley and James Lucey of Huntington, Linda and David Plaza of Kansas, and Pamela and Kevin LeDuc of Maine. He also leaves nieces and nephews Donna and David Carlson, Deborah and Daniel McCarthy, Kimberly Surprise, Brian and Patty Mulville of Westfield and Michael Mulville of Russell. He leaves cousins John Pellan Jr., Paul Pellan, Anne (Pellan) and Bob Shea of Westfield and Patty (Pellan) and Chuck Fougere of Marion. Also, cousins Joyce, Stetson, Martha, and Craig Arnold of Southwick. In addition, he leaves sister-in-law Elaine (Decoteau) Gamble of Russell. He leaves his dearest friends Jim and Stella Huffmire.
He was pre-deceased by the Gamble children’s godparents Donald and Barbara Swanson. Sadly, he was predeceased by his twin brother Clark E. Gamble, and two sisters, Lois Manley and Lucille Gorton.
Cliff attended schools in Huntington and transferred to Westfield High School in his Junior year. He played football, basketball, and baseball at WHS. He played guard for the winning Peanut Bowl Championship against Fitzgerald High School in Columbus, Georgia in 1948. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from American International College in 1953. Cliff was for many years, CEO of Gamble Insurance Agency in Westfield. He had previously worked for Sun Life of Canada Insurance Co. Cliff served in the U. S. Army in Anchorage, Alaska, where he and Beverly spent their first year of marriage together, during the Korean War. Cliff was active in many community organizations including the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis of Westfield, the Shurtleff Children’s Services, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Westfield Red Cross, and the Westfield Y.M.C.A Board. He was an active member of the Y for over fifty years. He was a loyal member of First Congregational Church, Westfield for 65 years, where he and Beverly were married. He served on many committees at the Church including the Diaconate, World Service, Budget, Building, Music, and Stewardship. In addition, he taught 6th (and 8th) grade Sunday School for 25 years. Cliff loved all sports and was an avid Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics fan. He enjoyed gardening and feeding “his” birds, traveling with Beverly to England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland for 15 years. He loved spending time with his family, especially his beloved “Bevy”.
A Memorial Service will be held for Cliff on Saturday, September 10th, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St., Westfield, MA. Arrangements are under the direction of the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St., Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com. Donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Westfield Memorial Flower Fund.
