MECHANICVILLE - Dr. Stephen S. Sgambati, Sr, MD, 97, of Park Avenue, a lifelong resident, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife and children at his side on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. Dr. Sgambati was born in Mechanicville on March 23, 1920, and was the son of the late Stefano and Emilia Sgambati. His academic career began in his hometown as a graduate of Mechanicville High School in 1938. He went on to graduate Siena College in 1942, and completed his Study of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1946. Before faithfully serving as a Flight Surgeon with the US Army Air Corps, he was one of the lead Doctors of Surgery at the VA Hospital-Albany in 1948.
After faithful service during and after WWII, Dr. Sgambati returned home, where he opened a general surgery and general practitioner career in Mechanicville as well as Round Lake. During his distinguished 60 year career of practicing medicine, Dr. Sgambati served his community touching and healing many lives before retiring on Dec. 26th, 2012.
Dr Sgambati was the proud member of the American Medical Association, NYS Medical Society, American Academy of Family Physicians and Surgeons, while also serving as the Saratoga County Coroner for some years.
When Dr. Sgambati wasn’t helping others you most commonly could find him at the Sgambati Family farm with his loving wife Opal and their children. Over the years Dr. Sgambati loved vacationing with the love of his life Opal and seeing all the beautiful wonders of the world. One of their favorite vacation spots was visiting his wife Opal’s family, with their 15 children every July in North Carolina. Dr. Sgambati will always be remembered as the most loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, where in his eyes, every day was a dream come true being able to spend loved filled days with them.
Dr. Sgambati was a devout Catholic and faithful member of Assumption-St. Paul Catholic Church, where he and his wife were weekly attendees of Mass. God played a center role in his life, from which his blessings flowed. He never wavered in his beliefs, principles and values - and was steadfast, humble and loyal to the memories of those that went before him into the presence of the Lord. He had profound love and compassion for all.
Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Opal F. Willard Sgambati, whom he met in Washington D.C at a USO dance in 1945 and married on Sept 15, 1947. Their beloved children: Mary (Dominic) Pisani, Stephen (Michele) Sgambati, Jr., MD, Kathryn (William) Woods, Robert (Debbie) Sgambati, Annina (William) Rabbitt, Teresa (Jerald) Vinikoff, Anthony (Elaine) Sgambati, Stephanie (Paul) Zurlo, Emilia (Dallas) Foard, Opal (Scott) Kalm, Samuel (Athina) Sgambati, Elizabeth (Francis) Therrien, Carl (Kiley) Sgambati, MD, Francesca (William) Schultz and Carolyn (Joseph) Potvin. Also 43 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, his brother Christopher Sgambati and sister Theresa Sgambati, along with many nieces/nephews and their families.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Frances, Elizabeth, Patrick and John Sgambati, Carmella Izzo, Clara Ponzillo and Emilia Finelli, and in-laws Byron and Carl Willard and Sammie Ann Creed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM at All Saints on the Hudson Church, 121 No. Main St., Mechanicville. Burial with military honors in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Calling hours at All Saints Church on Friday from 3-7 PM.
Dr. Sgambati’s family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to either the All Saints on the Hudson Church Endowment Fund or USO, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 2007-7677, in respectful memory of Dr. Stephen S. Sgambati, Sr., MD

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