– We mourn the passing of distinguished alumnus and former professor Richard Gambino
– Founder of the college’s Italian American Studies program
– 1973—the first known offering of its kind in the U.S.
– Who wrote on the lynching of Italian Americans in 1891..
Cause Death – Obituary News :
Queens College Mourns the Loss of Richard Gambino, Renowned Educator and Advocate for Italian American Studies
Queens College and The City University of New York are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Richard Gambino, a distinguished alumnus, former professor, and founder of the college’s groundbreaking Italian American Studies program. Gambino, who dedicated his life to shedding light on the rich history and contributions of Italian Americans, leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Born and raised in New York City, Richard Gambino developed a deep appreciation for his Italian heritage from an early age. He pursued his higher education at Queens College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history before going on to complete his master’s and doctoral degrees in the same field.
In 1973, Gambino made history by establishing the Italian American Studies program at Queens College, making it the first of its kind in the United States. Recognizing the importance of preserving and celebrating the unique experiences of Italian Americans, Gambino’s vision paved the way for the recognition and inclusion of Italian American history and culture within academia.
As a professor, Gambino was renowned for his captivating lectures and tireless dedication to his students. He inspired countless individuals to embrace their heritage and encouraged them to explore the diverse contributions made by Italian Americans throughout history.
Gambino’s scholarly work focused on the 1891 lynching of 11 Italian Americans, a tragic event that had long been overlooked and forgotten. Through meticulous research and impassioned storytelling, he aimed to shed light on this dark chapter in American history and challenge the prevailing stereotypes that had plagued Italian Americans for generations.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Gambino was a fervent advocate for social justice and equality. He firmly believed in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to dismantle prejudice and discrimination, using his platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
Gambino’s impact extended far beyond the walls of the classroom. He was a prolific writer, penning numerous articles and books that further explored the Italian American experience. His groundbreaking work, “Blood of My Blood: The Dilemma of the Italian-Americans,” remains a seminal text in the field, garnering widespread acclaim for its insightful analysis and groundbreaking perspective.
While the cause of Gambino’s passing remains unknown at this time, his unexpected departure has left a profound void in the academic community and beyond. Colleagues, students, and friends remember him as a compassionate, dedicated, and brilliant individual who made an indelible mark on the study of Italian American history.
Queens College and The City University of New York will forever be indebted to Richard Gambino for his pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to social justice. His legacy will continue to shape the field of Italian American Studies and inspire future generations of scholars and advocates.
As we mourn the loss of Richard Gambino, let us remember the countless lives he touched and the profound impact he made. His work will live on, ensuring that the stories and contributions of Italian Americans are recognized, celebrated, and honored for years to come..
We mourn the passing of distinguished alumnus and former professor Richard Gambino, founder of the college's Italian American Studies program in 1973—the first known offering of its kind in the U.S., who wrote on the 1891 lynching of 11 Italian Americans. https://t.co/D8Ljy2Vu4F
— Queens College | The City University of New York (@QC_News) January 23, 2024
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@QC_News said We mourn the passing of distinguished alumnus and former professor Richard Gambino, founder of the college's Italian American Studies program in 1973—the first known offering of its kind in the U.S., who wrote on the 1891 lynching of 11 Italian Americans.
– We mourn the passing of distinguished alumnus and former professor Richard Gambino
– Founder of the college’s Italian American Studies program in 1973, the first known offering of its kind in the U.S..
