In Memoriam: Red Bank-Raised RBC Grad, Renowned Seamstress, Carmela Gambacorto Garthwait, 87

Red Bank-raised Red Bank Catholic High School graduate and renowned seamstress, Carmela Garthwait (nee Gambacorto), passed away peacefully on Dec. 18, surrounded by family. She was 87.

“Carmela cherished her time with her family, but especially with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Aside from family time, Carmela served the community with her talents as a seamstress and also perfected the art of knitting, crossstitch, and crocheting. Despite her early diagnoses and battles with various health issues, Carmela persevered and continued to craft bringing her talents into peoples homes, special occasions and meaningful events creating unforgettable moments for all who knew her. Her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to craft immaculate personalized keepsakes was truly a gift.”
Loved ones of Carmela Gambacorto Garthwait in her obituary

Born in Long Branch on Oct. 6, 1938 to the late Tina and James Gambacorto Sr., Carmela was raised in Red Bank and graduated from Red Bank Catholic in 1956 before working for NJ Bell then becoming a professional seamstress. She devoted most of her time to her children.

Carmela and her husband Eldon, lived in the Lincroft section of Middletown for more than 45 years.

Carmela is survived by: her husband, Eldon; children, Sharon Widmaier, Susan (Bruce Morford), Debra (Otschir Unkow); her brother, James Gambacorto Jr.; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec.28, from 1 to 3 p.m., with a prayer service at 2:30 at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/).

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home