October 22, 1942 – July 12, 2022 (age 79)
New Windsor, NY
Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 marked the departure of one of the most charismatic, respected, funny and well-loved Newburgh natives as Alex Gamma Jr. said his final goodbye to us.
Alex Gamma Jr. was born on October 22nd, 1942 to Alex Gamma Sr. and Eva Catherine Kukla Gamma of First Street in Newburgh, NY. Alex served his nation proudly in the US Army during the Vietnam War from March 1967 – March 1969 as Specialist 4th Class in the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. He earned a bronze star, gallantry cross, and a marksman qualification badge during his two years of honorable service. Alex was a member of American Legion Post 1796, Elks Post 247 and VFW Newburgh, NY post. He touted multiple seasons of NFA basketball, Town of Newburgh softball and bowled for over 40 years in various leagues with his lifelong tag team partner and brother, Peter Gamma Jr.
Alex was the type of guy that could walk into a room full of strangers and within a couple hours be friends with half of them. He was strong willed, happy-go-lucky and had a charisma level that could light up a room. He selflessly volunteered his time to play Santa Clause not just at family parties, but also for non-profit organizations such as Black Rock Fish and Gaming, Elks Post 247 and the VFW. If there was a WWF pay per view on a Sunday night, chances are there was a party at the Gamma household. Alex’s favorite star was the Undertaker and spared no expense to enrich the experience for the attending guests and their children. Alex carried with him a magic charisma that could not be taught, learned or duplicated. He was the most fun-loving guy to come out of Newburgh!
Alex had a couple famous quotes of wisdom that we incorporate into our daily lives:
“If you can count the number of true friends you have on one hand, you are a lucky man!”
“Show me your circle of friends and I’ll show you YOU”
“You will only go so far in life with what you know. Who you know will help you go even further!”
“You can always make more money, but you cannot get more time back, so make the best use of it!”
Alex will forever be remembered as Uncle Al the kiddies pal. Rest well soldier! We will be reunited again – in heaven!
Alex is survived by his son, Alexander Gamma III of West Palm Beach, FL and stepson Steven Covillion of Cornwall, NY. Sisters: Catherine Bowden of Newburgh, NY; Carol Crisci of DE and Pat Durante of Milford, MI. Brothers: Peter Gamma of Bridgeville, DE and Michael Gamma Sr. (deceased) of Walden, NY. Nephews: Peter Gamma Jr. of North Haledon, NJ; Bret Gamma of Danestown, MD; Matt Gamma of Northville, NY; Michael Gamma Jr. of Montgomery, NY; Taras Gamma of Forest Hill, MD; Nieces: Fallon Durante of Holly, MI Jennifer Durante of St. Petersburg, FL; Sue Muschio of Walden, NY.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Newburgh, with burial following in Orange County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Goshen.
