Alan Luther GABRIELSON

GABRIELSON, Alan Luther


Alan Luther Gabrielson passed away peacefully Saturday (September 21, 2013) after a year long illness with Multiple Myeloma. Al spent his last days at home in the loving company of his family and friends. He was born in Waterbury, October 20, 1933, to loving parents Mabel and Eric Gabrielson of Naugatuck. Alan was a humble and fun loving man who was educated in the Naugatuck school system, followed by an Engineering education at University of Connecticut and General Motors Institute, Flint, Michigan. His professional life involved General Motors and the Torrington Company. Bearings and one- way clutches were Al's career. He held several patents and his proudest projects were the M1Abrams Tank gun turret bearing and P-38 "Glacier Girl" aircraft restoration project. While working at GM he befriended a gal that had a beautiful redheaded daughter that he met, courted, and married; Verla Ahl Stephenson of Bristol (A tender little pigeon as Uncle George used to say). They lived in harmony in Bristol for the past 53 years, raising and educating three caring children: Karl, Kristin, and Kurt. With their marriages came eight precious grandchildren. Al's interest throughout life included working the farms of West Morris, in his younger days, Jaycees, Scouting, PTA, and especially being an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Al owned four Model T Fords, one of which is still in the family and running. He especially enjoyed fishing with sons, grandchildren, and special friend Bob Miller. Attending his grandchildren's activities were always special to him. Al is survived by his loving and caring wife, Verla; three children and their spouses: Karl and Anita Gabrielson of Burlington, Kristin and John Garrison of Simsbury, and Kurt and Eleanor Gabrielson of Sharon; eight grandchildren: Rachel, Dana and Jenna Gabrielson, Maggie, Jack and Graham Garrison, and Erik and Elliot Gabrielson; three siblings and their wonderful families: John and Cecelia Gabrielson of Houston, TX, Jane and Justin Strickland of Middlefield, and Birger and Katharine Gabrielson of Naugatuck; and two stepbrothers: Keith Pinter of New York City and Todd Pinter of Southington. In addition he leaves behind many caring extended family members and a large community of dear friends. His family wishes to thank all those who cared for and supported Al this past year. Special thanks to all Bristol Hospital and Cancer Care staff.
Callings hours will be held at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, on Tuesday, September 24, 2013, from 5-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013, 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 355 Camp Street, Forestville. Burial will follow in the Gloria Dei Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 355 Camp Street, Forestville, CT 06010 or to the Bristol Hospital Cancer Care Center, 41 Brewster Road, Bristol, CT 06010. Please visit Al's memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.