James J. "Jim" Gabriel

James "Jim" J. Gabriel
James "Jim" J. Gabriel, 64, of Colchester, loving husband of 35 years of Valerie (Zakowski) Gabriel, passed away unexpectedly, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Jim was born on May 5, 1960, in New Haven, one of three beloved children of June Gabriel of Orange, CT and the late Joseph D. Gabriel.
He grew up in West Haven and Orange and was a graduate of Amity High School. While in high school, Jim was a competitive swimmer and diver and had been awarded several medals and trophies. After high school, Jim attended the University of Tampa and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management in 1983.
Jim began his working career at Star Container Recycling and Processing Company of West Haven. Jim then began his long-term career for 34 years as the executive supervisor of Fonda Fab & Weld of Plainville, a company founded by his father-in-law, Edward. Along with raising his family, Jim enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing and boating.
In addition to his wife and mother, Jim leaves his cherished daughter, Megan Gabriel of Colchester, his brother and sister-in-law, Brett and Kristin Gabriel of Tolland, his two nieces, Anna Gabriel and Mary Gabriel and his uncle, Cecil Gabriel of Stratford, CT. Other family members include his mother-in-law, Patricia Zakowski of Bolton, brother and sister-in-law, Brent and Beth Zakowski of Bolton and nephews and niece, Matthew, Michael and Isabella Zakowski and Aiden and Jonas Kiss. In addition to his father Joseph, Jim was predeceased by his sister, Carrie Gabriel and his father-in-law, Edward Zakowski.
All are welcome to join the family for calling hours at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road, Vernon, CT 06066, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester, CT 06040, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 am. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery, Route 74, Rockville, CT 06066. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org .To leave a condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com .