Americo E. "Rick" Gambo a former automobile salesman who later founded a television production company, died Friday of a stroke at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pa. He was 73.
The son of Americo J. Gambo, a construction company owner, and Barbara J. Gambo, a homemaker, Americo Ernest Gambo was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Roland Park with his family, relatives said.
After graduating in 1962 from Calvert Hall High School, he and partner James "Buzz" Cusack, who now owns the Charles and Senator theatres, opened an automobile body and paint shop on 25th Street.
After the business closed a year later, Mr. Gambo started selling cars for Sherwood Chrysler Plymouth, and later for Timonium Chrysler Plymouth and Dulaney Lincoln Mercury.
He was general manager of Len Stollers Hilltop Lincoln Mercury when he established KNG Video in 1981 and began videotaping weddings. He then switched to TV commercials, shows and event production for Baltimore advertising agencies, cable TV and local TV stations.
From 1984 to 1986, he worked for Bob Pivick TV & Radio Productions, and in 1986 founded CCAV which he operated until closing the business in 1993.
In recent years, he had been a consultant to Jomar Productions, a TV production company that is owned and operated by his two sons. The former Parkton resident moved to New Freedom, Pa., recently.
His wife of 42 years, the former Frances Chambers died in 2011.
He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 9815.
A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at his church, 18310 Middletown Road, Parkton, at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Mr. Gambo is survived by his two sons, Mark Gambo of Timonium and John Gambo of New Freedom; a daughter, Stephanie Gambo of Cockeysville; a sister, Barbara Dorsch of Upperco; and four grandchildren.
— Frederick N. Rasmussen