Albert Gabel

Gabel, Albert
Albert A. Gabel, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, Professor Emeritus, aged 91, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2021. He was born near Fremont, Ohio and raised on a farm. Al graduated first in his class from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1954. Following his graduation, he served for two years as a public health inspector in the U.S. Air Force in Germany where he was awarded a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. Al returned to The Ohio State University and earned a Master of Science in Veterinary Surgery (Anesthesia) in 1959. His master's degree research led to the first practical, useful general anesthesia in horses. During Al's 33 years at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, he was a world-class equine clinician and surgeon who pioneered techniques for diagnosing and treating lameness in horses. His specialty led him to exuberantly pursue the sport of Standardbred harness horse racing. He had a gift for turning what he humorously called counterfeit trotters into winners. He was head of the Clinical Equine Section from 1971 until 1989. He authored or co-authored more than 100 peer reviewed articles as well as several hundred articles that appeared in horsemen's journals. Of all his career accomplishments, Al was most proud of the people he trained who became major contributors in equine medicine. Al mentored 23 resident-graduate students in veterinary medicine. Al's passion for helping horses, their owners, and his students was distinctive. He was known for his ""Gabelisms"" which were amusing quips and creative directives that got his students' attention, encouraged them to think critically, and inspired them to act when treating horses. Incidentally, some of these ""Gabelisms"" were also used to teach his children. In 2000, Al received the American Association of Equine Practitioners Distinguished Educator Award. After his retirement in 1989, Al trained and drove Standardbred horses for eleven years. He was elected president of the Ohio Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association in 1992 and initiated its merger with the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association. Al won U.S. Amateur Driver of the Year in 1995. Working with Standardbreds became a family venture both at the racetrack and the Gabel homestead. His wife, Lucy, initially lacked experience with horses, but ultimately became his number one groom. Later in life, Al was a political activist. He wrote impassioned letters to the editor and was an enthusiastic volunteer for many campaigns. Al delighted in playing bridge with Lucy, cultivated an enormous vegetable garden, and tended to the hundreds of trees he planted. Al was a member of St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church. He will be remembered for his brilliant intellect, immense generosity, and integrity beyond reproach. Al is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Lucille Gabel; his brother, James Gabel; his children, Mary Jane Kreider, Edward (SuEllen) Gabel, Ruth (John) Pitman, Carole (Kelly) Cusack, Janet (James) Mullen and Matthew (Patricia) Gabel; son-in-law, John LaPorte; grandchildren Nathan (Sarah) Kreider, Rachel Gabel (Jacob Wollenberg), Jonathan LaPorte, Sarah Hackett (Jeffrey), Samantha Schodle (Robert), Jeffrey Pitman, Maeve and Addy Cusack, Claire Mullen, Grace and Stella Gabel, and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers William Gabel and John Gabel, sister Emma Genter, daughter Ann LaPorte and son-in-law Perry Kreider. Visitation will take place on Monday, April 19, 2021 from 4-8PM at Maeder-Quint Tiberi Funeral Home, 1068 South High Street Columbus, Ohio 43206. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church, 7179 Avery Road Dublin, Ohio 43017 on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Food Pantry, 57 South Grubb Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, St. Brigid School Endowment Fund, 7179 Avery Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017 or The Vet Med, 1954 Scholarship. Checks should payable to OSU Foundation, Memo line: 667490 at OSU College of Vet Med, Attn: Tiffany Connors, 1900 Coffey Road Columbus, Ohio 43210. www.MaederQuintTiberi.com