William Paul Gabel

William Paul Gabel, 73, of Spring Valley, Bradford Township, was called home by the Lord at 5:37 pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, where he was surrounded by his family.

Born in Clearfield on July 6, 1952, he was the son of the late William D. Gabel, who died May 8, 1988 and Grace C. Gabel, who passed away January 26, 2021. He was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Michael Mitchell.

Mr. Gabel graduated from Clearfield High School in 1970 and from Edinboro University, where he was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, in 1974 with a degree in music education.

His first stint as band director came at Harmony High School in 1975. The following year he was appointed band director at West Branch High School, where he remained for 35 years until his retirement

Music was never just a job for Mr. Gabel; he mentored countless students and brought music to the community as a member of the Clearfield and Grampian Community Bands, and the jazz ensembles Nostalgia and The 14th Street Jazz Band. He also shared his beautiful voice at many family weddings and funerals. He truly had a gift.

Raised a Catholic, after his marriage he joined Centre Grove United Methodist Church. He served as choir director for 40 years, on various church boards and was co-chair of the Community Outreach Program. Most recently, he attended the Hyde Wesleyan Church.

Mr Gabel is survived by his wife, Pamela Thompson Gabel, whom he married October 22, 1977 at Centre Grove UMC; his children, Craig and his wife, Suzanne, and their children Hannah and David of Warriors Mark; Kristen Lanich and her husband, John, and their children Khloe and Brody of Clearfield; Erin Thomas and her husband, Taylor, and their children Lydia and Noah-Leigh, also of Clearfield; and Ryan and his wife, Sarah, and their children Carrie Marguerite, Eleanor and Ezra of Enfield, New Hampshire.

He is also survived by a brother, David and his wife, Eunice, of Oklahoma; and two sisters, Carol and her husband, Bob, Litten, and their children and grandchildren, all of Bellefonte and Virginia Mitchell, her children and grandchildren of New Jersey.

While music was a pillar of his life, Mr. Gabel's greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren hunting, fishing, and with his whole family, camping and kayaking. He also immensely enjoyed woodworking, creating for his family and friends and also service projects. He was very proud his grandsons embraced the craft.

Funeral services will be held at the Hyde Wesleyan Church, 1215 Riverview Road, Clearfield, on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 5:30 PM. Visitation will be at the church on Monday March 30, 2026 from 2PM – 5:30 PM.

The family would appreciate guests to share a written memory of Bill that will be kept in a memory book. Guests are welcome to bring a prepared note or pen and paper will be provided at the church. Guests are also welcome to mail a note to 3977 Shawville Hwy, Woodland Pa 16881. Guests may write a personal note to Bill that will be cremated with him.