Christopher Randall Gabriel

1960 - 2017

BORN

1960

DIED

2017

Christopher Gabriel Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Christopher Randall Gabriel
Start: 2017-04-22T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Central Baptist Church

Mr. Christopher Randall Gabriel, 56, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, as a result of injuries sustained in a choking incident during lunch. He was surrounded by family and friends. Mr. Gabriel was born on October 21, 1960 at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio to Mr. and Mrs. Gene Gabriel (Carolyn Hill). He later lived in Lexington, KY, Saginaw, MI, Rochester, NY, and Port Orange, FL. Chris attended Holy Childhood School in Rochester, NY before he and his family relocated to Florida in 1978. Although Chris was born with Down Syndrome, he worked very hard to overcome tremendous obstacles in spite of his original prognosis, going on to be a Special Olympics GOLD medalist in the state of Florida in the fields of Bowling, Softball Throw, and the 50 Meter Dash. He was also an avid dancer, performing with The Yellow Rock Squares. Chris was also active in the Boy Scout Explorer Program, Kiwanis, and Special Gathering. Chris was baptized, confirmed and made his first communion at Holy Childhood in 1972. He later reaffirmed his faith, becoming baptized again at Central Baptist Church Daytona Beach in 1984. Chris has been employed in the mailroom at The ARC, located off Jimmy Ann Drive in Daytona Beach for the last 25 years with many wonderful friends. He lived in Dove Villas in Daytona Beach, FL. Chris enjoyed life to the very fullest. He was blessed with a kind spirit, a soft heart, generous, funny, bright, brave, gifted, and extremely loving to every single person he encountered. He was compassionate and caring and will be missed beyond anything that words could convey by so many people. He was perfect and beautiful. Christopher Gabriel is survived by his loving mother, Mrs. Carolyn Hill-Gabriel, Port Orange, FL; his loving father, Mr. Gene Gabriel, Port Orange, FL; his loving sister, Melissa Gabriel, Port Orange, FL; his adoring nephew, Shane Gabriel, Port Orange, FL; and his adoring niece, Remy Barrick, Port Orange, FL. Memorial Services will be held at on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 4:00 pm. at Central Baptist Church, Fairview Avenue in Daytona Beach. There will be a reception at Central Baptist Adams Hall immediately following for all friends. Covered dishes are welcomed. The family is asking for donations for the Christopher Gabriel Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers. All donations will benefit the developmentally disabled friends in our community. Donations can be made online at YouCaring.com, listed under the Christopher Gabriel Memorial Fund. Please reach out to the family directly for alternative donation methods at [email protected]

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Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Apr. 20, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Gabriel

14 Entries

Diane Norman VanderVoort

April 22, 2017

I am so very sorry for your loss. Chris was always so happy and polite. He will be remember by many for his gentle ways and smile. Even though Chris and you never knew, when you shared with me about Chris' successful adult housing experience it helped me share(anonymously) now wonderful it could be to the parents of my high school aged students. Thank you for sharing Chris and his experiences with others. I know from first hand experience that it made a difference in the lives of other special young adults. My prayers are with you all!

Caitlyn Campbell

April 21, 2017

I miss you very much Chris! Thank you for being such a good friend to me at work in the mailroom.

Gail Irvine

April 20, 2017

My dear friend Chris....So many heart warming and fun experiences at the dance parties, dress up days, holiday parties, bowling, visiting me at the front office, Kiwanis Ball, Arc Board meetings, Kiwanis Aktion Club meetings, your loving hugs and for just being the superstar I love and my heart will miss forever ❤

Madge Weber

April 20, 2017

We here at St. Brendan's Church wish to convey our sadness of Chris (Bobby) as we knew him at our REACH program once a month as everyone so loved him. He was always so happy and loving to everyone. We will miss him so much. I would like to get an address of where to send some great pictures of Chris but don't know where to send them. I personally will be unable to attend the ceremony as my grandson is making his Confirmation in Jacksonville. Prayers and thoughts will continue.

Juli Maltagliati

April 20, 2017

My most heartfelt sympathy to Chris' family and all who loved him, and that was anyone who met him. It was my privilege and honor to know and love Chris, having worked with him in recent years, taking him and his friends to many fun activities and outings. Chris was filled with such enthusiasm for his experiences in this world. He brightened every place he went and it's a darker world without him in it. No sweeter, more loving soul was ever born. May knowing that he's now in the company of angels, his truest peers, provide some comfort to those he left behind.

Mindy Sanders

April 20, 2017

Gene, Carolyn and Melissa my heart is with you. I loved him dearly and this is a huge loss and a major void..until we are with him again. Thoughts & Prayers are with you.