Matthew D Gambardella, Sr, 79, passed away on October 31, 2006 surrounded by family, in his home in Kent, WA.

Matt was born July 8, 1927, in New Haven CT., to Italian immigrants, Paolo and Rita. Paolo was the first Italian cheesemaker in the United States and Matt joined him in the cheese business and in the restaurant business.

Matt was an adventurer by nature. He served in the US Navy, was a small aircraft pilot, a daring, ocean water-skier, and sports hunter. In the early 50's he embarked on an African safari, bringing home several dozen trophies, including a world record oryx. In 1952 he married Alice Aloi and together they had eight children and operated the San Remo restaurant, on the beach in New Haven, CT.

In 1972 Matt and his family set forth on one of their greatest adventures: they moved, by automobile, across the continent, to Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife operated "Gambardella's Restaurant" on South Cushman Street in Fairbanks from 1973-1975. Then Matt managed pipeline support camps during the construction of the Alaska Pipeline. In the 1980's, he and his wife relocated to Saudi Arabia where he managed large scale commercial food production.

In 1987 Matt and Alice opened a small gourmet deli on Second Avenue in Fairbanks, called "Gambardella's Pasta Bella". Together they built a reputation for great Italian food. Matt's fresh Italian bread and big personality became infamous. The restaurant was Matt's pride and joy. Over the years, Matt proudly watched the operation grow from ten tables to it's current size of 250 seats. He also opened restaurants in Hollywood, Florida, Kent, Washington and Issaquah , Washington. Matt is famous for his lively wine dinners at the restaurant and he will be missed by all. We all raise a glass of red wine to this man with the larger than life personality, and toast: "Salute".

Matt is survived by his wife, Alice and 7 children: Rita, Ali, Paula, Laurie, Matt Jr., Lisa and Patrice. He has 6 grandchildren: Danielle, Robert Matthew, Ross Paul, Alicia, Samantha and Alexander.

Visitation will be at Greenwood Funeral Home, Renton, WA, from 10am-11:30am, Saturday, November 4. Matt will be laid to rest Monday, November 6, 11:30am at Tahoma National Cemetary in Covington, WA.  Online memorials may be posted at mem.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairbanks Rescue Mission, 723 27th Ave., Fairbanks, Alaska 99707,  907-452-5343, fairbanksrescuemission.org