Oliver Lloyd Gambrell

Oliver Lloyd Gambrell passed away on October 22, 2024 with his beloved family by his side. Born in Hamilton, Ohio on October 13th, 1952, he was the son of Lloyd Gambrell and Ethel (Fox) Gambrell. He resided in Oxford, PA with his cherished wife and family, where he spent the past decade enjoying his retirement. 

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry Gambrell, his sister Provy Popov, and his much loved nephews Chadd Brooks and Harry Gambrell. Oliver is survived by his wife and life-companion of 38 years, Leslie (Willis) Gambrell; his daughters Jenna Casper (Sheldon) and Caroline Gambrell; his son Oliver Gambrell, and three treasured grandchildren Journey, Elijah, and Zeke. He is also survived by his brothers Sidney Isaacs (Ruth), Daniel Gambrell (Joanne), his sister Bobbie Brooks, his mother-in-law Andrea Nevitt, sister-and-brother-in law Michelle and Rick Conway, and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. 

Oliver attended Ridley High School, earned an associate’s degree in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, and a bachelor's degree in Management of Information Systems from Eastern University. Along the path of his career, Oliver learned many skills. In his youth he worked in construction and mastered numerous skills which served him and his family throughout his life. There was nothing he couldn’t build, fix, or figure out how to repair. He also worked for many years at Pennsylvania Shipbuilding Company (Sun Ship) as a shipfitter, where he was hand-picked to complete an apprenticeship as a flame-bender, a specialized Japanese technique developed to form the complex curved hull plate located on the bow or stern of the ship. It was there that he developed a love of the naval industry. 

Oliver also spent 13 years as a welding instructor and CAD/CAM teacher at Glen Mills Schools, where he found great purpose and fulfillment in working with and counseling students in both trade and life skills. His gentle, kind, and understanding demeanor allowed him to form strong relationships with these young-adults, and the mutual sharing of wisdom and connection was very meaningful to him. Oliver earned the Teacher of the Year Award in 2001 for his commitment and dedication to his work and impact on the student body. 

                In his later career Oliver worked as a manufacturing engineer for Community Loudspeaker in Chester, PA, where his ability to problem-solve and develop and maintain efficient manufacturing systems was put to good use. 

In his passion for life, Oliver enjoyed numerous hobbies and seemed to live two days to everyone else’s one. His days frequently started before the sun crested the horizon, and he could be found inside only for his mid-day recharge naps. As an avid out-doorsman, Oliver was often found in the mountains of Bedford County, sitting along Bob’s Creek with a fishing pole in hand, or paddling out in his boat at the lake of the Sportsman’s Club. On one notable occasion, Oliver went night-fishing and greeted the early morning hours of the new day with his fishing pole in hand. Oliver enjoyed extensive vegetable gardening and was renowned for his “Zing” hot sauce, pickled peppers, “Zippy” beans, and flower gardens all around the property. He loved grilling, baking bread, and preparing meals for his friends and family. 

He was a huge animal lover and was the “herd-master” to his family’s horses, where he spent many happy years caring for and spending time with the horses. He didn’t ride, but often took pictures of his shadow on their backs and earned the moniker “The Shadow Rider.” His mere whistle brought the herd galloping up for dinner, and they found true peace in each other’s company. 

Oliver was also a jazz enthusiast and a musician and played numerous instruments, favoring bass and acoustic guitar, piano, and drums (which he played when the family was not home). He had a love and comprehensive knowledge of ancient Middle Eastern and European history, and was almost always the hands-down winner of Jeopardy on any given night.

Oliver was a quiet and deeply kind man who loved passionately and found great meaning in helping others through acts of service or sharing his knowledge and skills. He had many cherished friends in the community and truly lived his life true to who he was. He was a loyal and devoted family man and beloved husband. His world revolved around his family and he found great joy in spending time with his children and extended family. 

To commemorate Oliver’s remarkable life and the memories we cherish, we will hold a celebration of life service on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Kuzo Funeral Home at 250 W State St, Kennett Square, PA 19348. We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of traditional mourning, we request the joy of your company in bright colors - reflecting Oliver’s vibrant spirit. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation. 

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