Thomas J. "Rocky" Gamble, 82, of New Bedford died Wednesday January 14, 2009 at New Bedford Healthcare Center.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late James and Clara (Coury) Gamble, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
Mr. Gamble was a well-known manager and bartender at several Downtown New Bedford establishments.
He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed dancing and gambling.
In his younger days, he was a Golden Gloves Champion. He was featured in the book "The Center, Downtown New Bedford in the 1950's", by Carmen Maiocco.
Survivors include four children, Donna Gamble and her husband Michael Spoor, Susan Gamble and her fiancé Eddie Santos, Jay Costello and his wife Karen, and Glenn Costello and his wife Yvonne; a brother, James Gamble; eight grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Thomas J. Gamble, Jr. and James Costello, the longtime companion of the late Brandi Fontes, and brother of the late Arras Gamble, Frances Rebello, Florence Sylvia, and Mary Gamble Fortes.
His family will receive visitors at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, on Sunday January 25, 2009 from 12-2 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.