Linda Lombardo Gidel

Linda Lombardo Gidel, 73, of Longboat Key, Florida — beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, friend and philanthropist — passed away peacefully in the presence of close family members on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

She is survived by her eternally devoted husband, Robert “Rob” Gidel; daughters Jill (Brian) Smith and Allison “Ali” (Jarrod) Lord; son Robert “Rob” (Jacqui) Gidel Jr.; granddaughters Madison Smith, Sydney Lord, Lauren Smith and Caroline Lord; grandsons Zachary “Zach” Smith, Andrew Lord and Robert “Tre” Gidel III; brother Drew (Marilyn) Lombardo; special cousin Jerry (Carol) Fausz; mother-in-law Mary Gidel; sisters-in-law Joyce Gidel and Kathy Clark; and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Linda was born in Woodlawn, Kentucky on December 22, 1950, to the late Adolph and Lucille (Fausz) Lombardo. Upon graduating from Our Lady of Providence, she moved to the Tampa Bay area, where she would meet her eventual soulmate — then colleague —while working as a bank teller at Clearwater Federal Savings and Loan. Their marriage would form the basis of an unwavering 48-year partnership that changed the trajectory of their lives and the generations to follow.

Known for her generous spirit, infectious smile and extraordinary selflessness, Linda was a beacon of warmth and kindness. Slow to judge and quick to trust, she never knew a stranger; always wanting to learn more about people. She treasured motherhood and her family; constantly doting on her children and grandchildren, telling (and re-telling) stories that would bring smiles and laughter, and never missing an opportunity to send a greeting card or a thank you note to express how much she cared. Her eventual promotion to “Glammy” brought her immense joy and profound happiness.

A faithful servant and great example of God’s love, she gave her time and energy towards volunteering at local community and beautification projects and serving
in various leadership roles on community association and nonprofit boards, such as the University Park Women’s Club (founding board member), Longboat Key Garden Club (former board member) and the Gidel Family Foundation, where she also served as President since 1997. During her tenure, the Foundation funded more than $2M towards scholarships at various academic institutions, including the University of Florida, University of Kentucky, Baylor University, Florida Polytechnic University, University of Miami (Fla.), and Maryvale Preparatory School in Baltimore, in addition to various other initiatives and causes.

Linda loved to laugh, play cards, travel, hike, read and cheer on her Kentucky Wildcats. Her passion for gardening made her a familiar face at botanical gardens and parks, where she loved to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others – her certification as a Master Gardner from the University of Florida being one of her proudest achievements.

Her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit will be dearly missed but forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on June 6 @ 10:30 a.m. at the St. Mary Star of the Sea church on Longboat Key. There will be a reception immediately following at the Harbourside Ballroom. If you plan on attending the reception, please RSVP to: [email protected].

SERVICE
Thursday, June 6, 10:30 a.m.
St. Mary Star of the Sea Church Longboat Key, FL

DONATIONS
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (Fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/ccfmemorial/team/LindaGidel), whose mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). This gesture will honor her spirit of giving and love for her community.