Mr. John F. Gamble, 84, of Duryea, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at his home with his family by his side.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Victor and Julieann Pataki Gamble and returned to the area early in life. He was a graduate of St. John's High School, Pittston and King's College, Wilkes-Barre.

He resided in Exeter before moving to Duryea in the late 1980's. His teaching career took him from New Jersey to Wyoming Area for 34 years. After John retired from teaching, he became a valuable and dedicated staff member of the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc. Throughout the years, John assisted with many removals, viewing and funerals. He was greatly missed when he became ill and could no longer assist at the funeral home.

He was involved in too many sports to mention.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Gamble, stepson, Brian Wychoskie and brother, Andrew Gamble.

Surviving is his wife of 38 years, the former Elaine Mikovitch Gamble
Daughter, Amy Lombardo and her husband, Len
Daughter, Julie Gamble and her companion, Jimi
Stepson, Scott Wychoskie and his companion, Lori

Grandchildren:
Sarah and Nicholas Blackburn
Katie Lombardo
Hailey Wychoskie

Great grandchild:
Miles Blackburn

Sister, Diane Wilson
Many nieces and nephews
Cousins

The family would like to thank Dr. Guy Fasciana and all the staff at Superior Care Services and Compassionate Care Hospice for all the care and compassion that was shown to John and his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 am at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Duryea. A viewing will be held on Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church the morning of the funeral. To leave an online condolence for John's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

Wonderful teacher. Always be my favorite teacher. So friendly and kind any time I saw him. He was a great man. I’m so very sorry for your loss. God speed Mr Gamble.

Anita Ninassi Lizza (19 days ago)

Mr. Gamble was one of the best teachers I had at Wyoming Area. He truly made an impact on my life. He made learning enjoyable and gave me the push and encouragement a young girl needed to stay motivated. May he RIP.

Rebecca Lipski-Briskie (19 days ago)

So sorry for your loss . John was a good friend and colleague of mine at Wyoming Area for over 30 years. Had all three of his daughters in school and were always proud of their Dad. May he rest in peace.

Joe Cordora (19 days ago)

I knew John and his family when I was young. His parents were some of the loveliest people I have ever met, and John was very much like them. I was able to see John a few times in the last few years and reminisce. I'm send sincere condolences to his family.

Gail Malloy (20 days ago)

Elaine and Scotty I'm so sorry for loss RIP Mr. Gamble

Linda Winsock (20 days ago)

Rest easy Mr Gamble.

Kimberly Friese (20 days ago)

Mr Gamble was my favorite teacher for sure. He was also our neighbor growing up. His parents were great people. He was an awesome teacher and great guy.

Sherry Howe Dougherty (20 days ago)

So sorry Elaine he was a great. Friend to us. Enjoyed his visits. We will miss himgodbless.for.your loving care

(20 days ago)

Elaine and family, So sorry for your loss. May he sleep with the angels . We offer our prayers and support to all of you.

Bruce & Lisa Weitz (20 days ago)

So sorry for your loss great guy will be missed

Jerry pawlowski (20 days ago)

Elaine and family , Very sorry for loss.

Shawn Tighe (20 days ago)

My condolences, John was a really good guy and will be forever missed.

Patrick Tighe (20 days ago)

Mr. Gamble was my 6th grade English teacher and started me on my path to become one. He was also a good neighbor in Exeter . I babysat his daughters. He even taught my oldest. To say Mr. Gamble is just an old teacher couldn’t be further from the truth. His impact on my life was immeasurable. Rest in peace. Prayers for Elaine, Amy and Lenny, Julie and grandkids.

Cindy Yudiski Lynch (20 days ago)

Elaine and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Sending you love and support during this time.

Paula and Joe Boyko (20 days ago)

Elaine and all those who loved John … our sympathies on your loss of John ..Tom and John worked together at the funeral home for a few years … tom considered him a friend … he was always a professional but also a character… his departure from his job at the funeral home was a sad day for many … but especially him … this last chapter of life has not been easy but handled by You Elaine like a trooper!!! Rest in peace John !

Tom and Judy Lambert (20 days ago)

Elaine and family, so very sorry for your loss.

Emily Eaton (20 days ago)

Do very sorry for your loss. RIP John

John Galuska (20 days ago)

John was such a nice man. Always smilng or cracking a joke. He will be missed.

Rosanne Szymanski (20 days ago)

SORRY ELAINE FO YOUR LOSS

KEVIN CHROMEY (21 days ago)

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