He attended the United States Air Force Academy for two years and graduated from St. Louis University in 1979.
[1] Gambaro and his wife, Linda, live on the St. Louis Hill with their four children: Anna, Derio J., Catherine, and Margaret, and also his son-in-law Pat McIver.
In 2006, after several years out of elective office, Gambaro was an unsuccessful candidate for the 4th District Missouri State Senate seat being vacated by Pat Dougherty.
The Democratic primary election was heavily contested, and no Republicans or third party candidates sought the seat.
Governor Blunt appointed Gambaro to the Missouri State Board of Education in June 2007.