Obituary of Richard F. Gamble

Rochester, NY ~ Dick Gamble passed away March 22, 2018 of congestive heart failure at Strong Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.  He was active, happy and vibrant until the very end.  He died peacefully with family members holding his hands. If you asked people to describe him in two words they invariably would say “humble” and “gentleman”.

     Dick enjoyed a long and stellar career playing professional hockey for 19 seasons as a left wing for both the NHL and the AHL.  He was a no nonsense goal scorer (earning him the nickname “grumps ”) with an amazingly accurate and strong wrist shot (earning him the nickname “dead eye dick”). He had early success and hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1953.  He also played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs. But it was with the Rochester Americans that he made his biggest impact on the sport, helping his favorite team win three Calder Cups in ‘65, ‘66 and ‘68 capturing the the AHL’s MVP and Scoring Champion trophies. For many years he held numerous records which were finally broken by fellow Amerk and good friend, Jody Gage, who shared his iconic # 9 jersey, which has been retired and hangs in the rafters of the Blue Cross Arena.  After almost 50 years he is still fourth all- time in the AHL. 

     “Dick Gamble will always be remembered as one of hockey’s all-time greatest players and a legendary figure” said AHL President and CEO Dave Andrews.  In 2007 he was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame.

     Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada in 1928 he was scouted at 17 to play for the Quebec Aces and then moved on to Montreal.  He raised three children in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; John Richard Gamble, Darlene Gamble (Scarlett) and Brent Gamble, all of whom survive their father. He is also survived by his five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

     He was sent to the Rochester Americans team to play for one year and ended up playing here for a decade. He met and married his great love, his wife of 45 years Marcia (McNish) Gamble and stayed in the area for the remainder of his life. Dick and Marcia lived in Le Roy, NY for 20 years where they raised their son Craig Bradford Gamble, who resides in Brighton with his wife Beth Gamble.  Dick influenced thousands of kids positively with his hockey schools in Canada and Rochester.  He always wanted to make a difference in a child’s life. 

      After he retired from hockey he had a successful career in sales, with many years spent at Meyer’s RV Superstores in Caledonia, NY. Mr. Gamble and his wife traveled widely and spent their retirement years in Pittsford where Marcia continues to reside. He was always building something and his carpentry skills are known to many in the area.

     He will be buried in Macphelah Cemetery in Le Roy in early June when his immediate family will hold a private graveside service. A dinner to celebrate his life will follow.

     Donations may be made to the Rochester Americans Alumni Association, 111 Van Voorhis Ave. Rochester, NY 14617.