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The term local hero is not often used but, to the people in Pontypridd, it’s exactly how you would describe Joseph Gambarini.

Joseph worked at front of house at Prince’s Restaurant in the town centre for decades – he dedicated his life to the business in the building where he actually grew up as a child – and it’s been going strong for more than 70 years.

The popular eatery was bought by Dominic Gambarini and his wife Glenys back in 1948. Previously a Hopkin Morgan’s baker/confectioner, it was named The Prince’s after Mr Gambarini took a fancy to the name of a shop he saw in Bournemouth.

In 1972 his twin sons – Joseph and David – took over at the age of 18. Joseph continued to oversee the business with his son William after his brother retired but, in early April, the community was shook when it was announced Joseph passed away suddenly at the age of 66.

On April 6, Prince’s Restaurant issued the following statement: “It is with deepest sadness that we inform you that early hours of this morning Joseph passed away at The Prince of Wales Hospital.

“Joe was beloved husband, father, boss and friend. He was the heart and soul of The Prince’s Restaurant and as you can imagine Prince’s will not be the same without him.”

Copy picture of William as a baby with his father, Joe, left (Image: Richard Swingler) A table at Prince’s is full of photographs and tributes to Joseph Gambarini (Image: Katie Gupwell)

A week ahead of the funeral Joseph’s son, William, opened up about how the town’s outpouring of love for him and the staff has been phenomenal. It’s been a difficult time for the Prince’s family, as he said his father’s passing came as a real shock to them.

William said: “He died unexpectedly. We knew he had cancer but we didn’t think he was going to die. We didn’t really expect it.”

William said his father had been diagnosed with cancer for about a year, and he later contracted Covid-19, but William said even when he was unwell he was still calling people non-stop to make sure the business could get back up and running when restrictions eased.

He said he was constantly calling Darren Lewis, the baker at Prince’s, chatting about work and what could be done.

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