Clarence "Gabe" John Gabriel, Jr.

Clarence “Gabe” John Gabriel Jr., 67, returned to his heavenly home on January 19, 2021 where he will eternally reside with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Gabe loved and trusted God throughout his life, served others humbly, generously, graciously, and always believed in the best of people.

Gabe was born July 21st, 1953 in Scranton, PA to Clarence and Rose Gabriel.  The oldest of three siblings, Gabe spent his younger years with his “Grammy” and “Grampy”, with whom he cultivated a love for cooking and the outdoors, both of which would become a true source of enjoyment throughout his life. It was his grandparents who also instilled into him the importance of giving back and dedication to others, a legacy Gabe dutifully carried on through ties to charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army.

Gabe met his wife and the eternal love of his life, Mary Pat Gabriel, while attending high school in Scranton. Gabe often told others that Mary Pat was “the only girlfriend he ever had” and he and Mary Pat would go on to get married in 1977. They raised three beautiful children; Matthew, Mark, and Michael, all of whom were a constant source of joy and pride throughout his life. Gabe and Mary Pat were the true embodiment of love having recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2017. They would go on to take several adventures throughout their life including trips to Egypt, Italy and the London Olympics in 2012.

Gabe was fiercely loyal to those he loved. Nowhere was this more evident than in his love of country. Shortly after graduating from the University of Scranton, Gabe proudly and dutifully served his country in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.  His commitment to excellence and competitive spirit was quickly on display resulting in his selection into the elite and prestigious Army Ranger division, where he was the top graduate of his class. Gabe loyally served his country until an untimely accident cut his time short in the service and he was honorably discharged to pursue other opportunities. One act that captured Gabe’s spirituality and military service was to make hand-made Ranger crosses with a personalized prayer note for those in need. Gabe continued making Ranger crosses up until his last days.

Gabe carried the same fighting spirt that he developed in the military into civilian life where he touched the lives of all of those with whom he worked. A self-proclaimed “chicken plucker from Scranton,” Gabe’s leadership and dedication to the human side of business allowed him to climb the corporate ladder, resulting several executive roles with high profile companies like Pepsi, Albertsons and innovative start-up companies like Newgistics. Gabe was steadfast in his insistence that executives do not need to choose between profits and people; he always believed that there is a third path that only strong leaders chose that would allow them to effectively run a company and to protect its people and their respective families. Gabe was always a “people first” leader and those that worked with him and for him truly would have run through a brick wall for him because they knew he would do the same for them.

Gabe cherished retirement life. As was the case throughout his earlier years, family always came first in his retirement as most of his time was spent with his loving wife and his immediate family. Gabe often said that he never thought he could ever love anyone as much as he loved his wife and children, but he stood corrected when he first met his grandchildren. Nowhere was Gabe happier than when in the presence of his six beautiful grandchildren: Elizabeth, Ryan, Alexandra, Grace, Liliana and June. In addition to his family, Gabe loved the outdoors and cooking. It was not uncommon to find Gabe fly fishing in the Owyhee river or cooking up a delicious meal on his smoker. Gabe knew that his food brought enjoyment to those around him and that brought joy to him.

Gabe leaves a legacy of kindness, love, contentment, and strong faith.  Gabe will lovingly be remembered by his wife Mary Pat, his three children, Matthew, Mark and Michael, and his six beautiful grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ryan, Alexandra, Grace, Liliana and June.  Heaven has a new angel.  May he rest in peace.

Due to COVID-19 the family will be having private services and interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.  There will be a public Celebration of Clarence's life at a later date.