Michael Gamber

Michael Gamber, age 70 of Mentor, OH, passed away on May 12, 2025 at University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby, OH. He was born on May 7, 1955 in Cleveland, OH. Michael was raised in Euclid and spent his youth driving his mini bike around the neighborhood. In his teens, he moved on to motorcycles. He enjoyed any kind of motor vehicle that put his “hair on fire”. His dad taught him how to fix cars inside and out, and he loved to speed around the city racing his friends and out running the police (sometimes). He graduated from Euclid High School in 1973 and upon graduation he worked 5 years for Lincoln Electric. Michael married his wife Debi (the girl across the street) in 1981 and they moved to Mentor and had 3 children. He was working for TRW and then Argo Tech in the early 80’s. During his time at Argo Tech he worked part time for a pawn shop in Wickliffe. Here he gained valuable experience in the pawn business. In 1990, he completed a pawn shop training program in Massachusetts. He enjoyed the business so much that in 1992, he decided to open his shop currently located in Mentor. He owned and operated the business with his son Michael for the past 25+ years. It was a family affair - his daughters Michelle and Alex also worked with their dad throughout the years. He was an extremely skilled handyman. Michael completed several renovations on his home including 6 garages. He could fix just about anything. He was sought out by friends, family and neighbors for diagnosing and making repairs or just lending a helping hand. He was generous with his time and money and always gracious with advice – even if you didn’t want to hear it. Michael enjoyed music, parties and being Grandpa to his grandchildren. He had a passion for boating and had his captains license. He had several motor boats but his favorite was the Grand Banks. In 2017, Michael purchased a Grand Banks and piloted the boat via the waterways from New Jersey to Mentor. He enjoyed many days and nights on Lake Erie with his boats. Over the years Michael had several health conditions prompting a heart and kidney transplant in 2012. He felt blessed every day for this gift of life and for all the years he was able to be with his family. Michael is survived by his wife, Debi Gamber; son, Michael Gamber; daughters, Michelle (Matthew) Sanderson and Alexandra Gamber; grandchildren, Rowan and Tripp; brother, Ralph (Nancy) Gamber; sister, Lori (Rick) Ray and many other loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Joan Gamber. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the funeral home. A private interment will be in Perry Twp. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lifebanc, P.O. Box 933388, Cleveland, OH 44193-0038 or online at www.lifebanc.org/get-involved/contribute-now/. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Michael Gamber

May 7, 1955 - May 12, 2025