Jessica Gambaro funeral: Friends and family remember much-loved mum

Jessica Gambaro, an adored member of Queensland’s famous restaurateur family, has been farewelled in the same church she was married.

Jessica Gambaro died after a long battle with cancer.

• How the Gambaro empire was built

Jessica Gambaro, “a true embodiment of grace and beauty” and adored member of Queensland’s famous restaurateur family, has been farewelled – in the same church she married her sweetheart Donny Gambaro almost 18 years ago.

Hundreds of mourners packed into St Brigid’s in Red Hill to pay tribute to a woman with “an innate ability to create a sense of tranquillity in every room she entered”.

Mrs Gambaro – a mother of four and a rock to her family – died after a brave battle with cancer on December 23. She was 46.

Among those in attendance were Shadow Minister for Trade Grace Grace and husband Michael, surgeon Reza Adib and partner and former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, high profile developer Kim Pradella, Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci and Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper.

There was not a dry eye as Mrs Gambaro’s children spoke of their mother.

The eldest, Don, 16, described her as “my everything”.

Jessica Gambaro was mourned by friends and family on January 3.

“Like most people, I thought it was only a matter of time until Mum beat this cancer … it became a continuous spiral of positive patches but then another day of struggle and pain for Mum,” he said.

“She was the strongest, most resilient human I have met, she fought her fight, and oh man, did she go down swinging.”

Through tears, Don also offered some advice to the many young people present.

“Don’t weaken your bonds with your family as you grow older because when life hits you where it hurts, they will always be there for you … I love you, Mum,” he said.

John Gambaro hugs brother Donny at the funeral of Jessica Gambaro. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Daughter Zara, 12, said her mother was their “best friend” whose “presence in our life was a gift”.

Nico, 7, said he would “miss her so much” while Massimo, 9, said their mother “always knew how to make every single day special and her hugs, kisses and bedtime stories were the things I love the most, so we pray to the Lord that she will guide us through the rest of our lives”.

Donny Gambaro said his wife was “a true embodiment of grace and beauty”.

“Her mind captivated me, her beauty mesmerised me, her determination inspired me and her strength amazed me,” he said.

“Jessica, you are my forever love.”

Jessica Gambaro was remembered as a “true embodiment of grace and beauty”.

Mr Gambaro said his wife’s legacy to their children was one of love.

“She imparted in them the importance of kindness and empathy, teaching them to approach the world with open hearts and minds,” he said.

“Her nurturing spirit and dedication to their wellbeing laid a foundation of security and confidence.

“Jessica had an innate ability to create a sense of tranquillity in every room she entered. Her friends and family were drawn to her serene presence, finding solace in her gentle demeanour and attentive nature.

“In times of stress or uncertainty, her unwavering patience and kind heart provided a refuge where everyone felt valued and understood.”

Donny Gambaro helps son Massimo while eldest son Don comforts Nico at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Red Hill. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Jessica Gambaro (nee Bennett) was diagnosed with stage-four oesophageal cancer in August 2023 after presenting to hospital thinking she had pneumonia.

Oesophageal cancer affects around 1700 Australians – mostly men over age 70 – a year; its main causes are tobacco smoking and high alcohol consumption.

Mrs Gambaro was a non-smoker and non-drinker.

Mr Gambaro said his wife – whom he met when they were 21-year-old students at QUT before marrying in 2007 – believed she would beat the disease.

Donny and Jessica Gambaro at Persone, June 2019. Photo: Supplied.

On their wedding day in April 2007.

“We got a glimmer of hope we were going to beat it last Christmas, but it was all the subsidiary cancers that took my darling,” he told The Courier-Mail on December 24, the morning after her passing.

Mr Gambaro said right up until the last few months of her life, his wife, who had degrees in marketing and IT, was building websites for the family company.

The Gambaro Group – whose restaurant empire began with a humble fish and chip shop on Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace, in 1953 – is run by John, Frank and Donny, sons of the late Michael Gambaro and wife Josie.

It owns a string of popular venues, including Black Hide Steak & Seafood (at The Star and on Caxton Street), Persone Italian in Brisbane city and Pipi’s Restaurant and Awaken café at Coolangatta.

Jessica Gambaro is also survived by her parents Lloyd and Joan Bennett and siblings Zoe, Rhys and Philippa, and 12 nephews and nieces.

Reza Adib and Annastacia Palaszczuk were among the mourners. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Grace Grace also came to pay her respects. Photo: Steve Pohlner

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