Caroline Gaebel

Richard A. Gaebel, D.D.S. peacefully passed away with his family by his side ending his long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 94 years old.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Jane, parents and brother, Walter.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Caroline, and nephews, Rex and Kirk Gaebel.

Dr. Gaebel was born, reared and educated in Southern California. In his youth, he ibecame interested and very involved in music, namely the piano and the pipe organ. In 1950, he received his Associate of Arts Degree in music at Pasadena City College. He also studied elementary education for a year at UCLA.

During the Korean War, Dr. Gaebel enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed at Treasure Island for four years and received training as a dental technician. While on active duty, he was encouraged by his commanding officer to make a career of dentistry.

After his stint in the Navy, he returned to UCLA to study pre-dentistry for two years. He then attended the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, graduating at the top of his class in 1961.

In 1962, Dr. Gaebel moved to Novato, CA with his wife, Mary Jane, to live and start his general dental practice. His wife worked with him and managed the office.

Dr. Gaebel later aspired to teach, and in 1972, he joined the faculty at the UCSF School of Dentistry as a half-time instructor and lecturer in the Department of Restorative Dentistry.

In 1978, Dr. Gaebel was elected to membership in the UCSF Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society for his outstanding contributions in the field of teaching. As a faculty member, he served on several committees, including the Admissions Committee, on which he was active for over 15 years. In 1979., he received a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in ceremonies in New Orleans.

In 1992, Dr. Gaebel, now an Associate Clinical Professor, retired from his UCSF faculty position after 20 years of dedicated service.

In 2000, Dr. Gaebel was honored with a Medal of Honor in recognition of a UCSF Dental Alumni's outstanding service to the School of Dentistry. He was a member of the Executive Council of the Dental Alumni Association for almost 20 years. He served on numerous committees and ascended the chairs of offices to become president of the UCSF Dental Alumni Association in 1988. As immediate past president, he assumed the duties of chairman of the Registration Committee and became a fixture at the registration booth and Dental Alumni meetings for seven years.

Dr. Gaebel's service to community throughout his life was exemplified in active membership in the Novato Lion's Club starting in 1962, including serving as president in 1982 to 1983. Perhaps his favorite volunteer task was organist for Saint Anthony's Parish in Novato for over 40 years. In recognition of his many accomplishments within the dental profession and his community, Dr. Gaebel was also recognized with Fellowship in the American College of Dentists in 1991.

After selling his dental practice in 1997, Dr. Gaebel continued to be active and assumed the duties of editor of the Marin County Dental Society Newsletter in 2000 to 2001. From 1987 onwards, he enjoyed traveling annually with his daughter or his wife or with groups from the University of Michigan School of Music. He also took piano lessons throughout his life until his late 80s.

The family is planning a private burial service.