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BORN

1970

DIED

2013

J.J. Gabellini Obituary

JJ (John) Gabellini
Aug. 17, 1970 - Aug. 12, 2013
Resident of Pleasant Hill
"Death ends a life, not a relationship." - Mitch Albom.
JJ was a big guy, made a big impact and had a HUGE heart (literally, and it stopped while riding his bike). JJ knew what mattered: his loving family, wonderful, crazy friends, good books, laughter, love, celebrations and quiet moments.
He seized the party that is life and embraced it at every turn, from Mexico to Pine Mountain, from the Delta sloughs to the cycling trails of California to his passion for waterskiing, basketball, softball and golf. His integrity and grounded advice soothed many of us. He was our role model for fun. We'll miss his big hugs and so much more.
A proud member of the Steamfitters Union Local 342, foreman at Therma, JJ is survived by his parents John & Joanne Gabellini, sister Jeanna (Steve) Crews, nephews Lucky & Chance, Uncle Dave (Elaine) Gabellini, Uncle Jim (Lott) Davis and numerous cousins.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Aug. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for J.J. Gabellini

Not sure what to say?





Judy

August 11, 2021

I´ll never forget him, the laughter shared in Jackson Hole. Sorely missed.
Love to his family

Joelle Bump

October 28, 2013

I am so sorry to hear that you lost your son. There are no words that can convey what I feel. I will have all of you in my prayers and thoughts for a long time. Joelle Bump

September 9, 2013

I'm so sorry for the Gabellini family, I've worked with John, Dave and JJ various times and offer my deepest sympathy
Christopher Wacht

August 28, 2013

My sincere condolence to the family and friend of JJ ,,,,may you find comfort knowing God care for you and he will bring comfort to thoses who are broken at heart ,

August 26, 2013

Joanne and Family - We were so saddened to learn of your family's loss. Our thoughts, sympathy, and condolences are with you.
Jim and Judy Williams
Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia

Angela & Jason Blount

August 26, 2013

I cant believe you are gone I told Jay about the accident when I found out. He is at a loss for words. You will truly be missed.

August 26, 2013

john and joanne I was so sorry to hear about jj god bless you both,, Loretta giberti

Zach, Syd, and Tim

August 25, 2013

JJ, your sudden death shocked us all. We are honored to have known you and have shared some good times and laughs with you, your family, and friends. We will keep your memory vivid and alive.

Joanne and Jeanna,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.

Diane Sielert

August 25, 2013

I have very fond memories of our times at Willow Point when the kids were young. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless. Diane Sielert

Jan and Tony Susco

August 22, 2013

After reading all of the entries, I'm sorry I never got to know J.J. What a fabulous spirit and a fine man. Heaven is very lucky to have such a special angel. God bless you all.

Laurel Buck

August 20, 2013

If I could have chosen anyone for a son, it would be JJ. He was a fine, handsome, kind man who knew the joy of having a great family surround him and friends who wanted him in their lives. Laurel and Richard Buck

August 20, 2013

Joanne,
Randy and I are thinking of you and your family.
Much love,
Lillian

Don & Lynne Jackson

August 19, 2013

May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. JJ will be missed but never forgotten. He will always live in our hearts and minds. May God give you peace and comfort in the days and years to come. All OUR Love,

Joe Tocchini

August 19, 2013

J.J was a great guy, had great times working with him...sad day.Thoughts to his family, he will be missed

Kim Menesini

August 19, 2013

Only the fondest love to an amazing guy who always knew how to make me laugh...my hugs and heart go with him and his family during this time and he will only be a moments away.. <3

Jill Yarbrough (Pollara)

August 19, 2013

I will always carry fond memories of JJ with me. He was a good friend of mine in high school and I'm glad I got to see him at our last reunion. Such a tragic loss. My heart goes out to his family.

M & S

August 19, 2013

Although we did not know J.J.personally, we were saddened to read of your loss. May "the God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3) be with you all at this time.

Michele Miller

August 19, 2013

My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. RIP JJ

Keely Nickel

August 19, 2013

I am heartbroken with the news. My deepest condolences to his family. J.J. was a good friend in high school, and even as a young man, he exhibited the BEST qualities in a person--kindness, gentleness, humility, wisdom, humor. He was a delight to be around. I loved seeing him at our 20th reunion.

Dale & Kathy Lelli

August 18, 2013

Joanne, Johnny, Jeanna and Family,

JJ was such a loving and thoughtful and fun-loving guy - truly a joyful spirit who could light up a room simply by being in it!
We feel we were lucky to be related to this great guy and we'll miss him.
Our hearts hurt for you and you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless!
We send you love and hugs,
Dale & Kathy

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~ From a headstone in Ireland

Karen Marie Hadley

August 18, 2013

Sending my love & prayers !

Richard and Monica Houghton

August 18, 2013

When we spoke at 5:30 that night you were smiling and in a good mood. Monica and I will miss a really great neighbor. RIP my new friend. We will miss you

Monica & Richard Houghton

August 18, 2013

JJ will be missed. He always had a smile at the ready. We will miss seeing him head out for the trails on his bike, out to the water on his boat, or just out to enjoy life with friends and family. Neighbors like him are few and far between. RIP JJ, Love the Houghtons

Jack Riggen

August 18, 2013

JJ, you squeezed every drop of life out of every moment you were given. Your presence in our lives was a gift we won't soon forget. Good night sweet prince.

Rich Garcia

August 18, 2013

Joanne, Johnny and Jeanna; Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. JJ was the best and he will be missed. Losing a Son and Brother at such a young age makes it so much harder. Always remember the GREAT times with JJ. His smile will always be in our hearts.

August 18, 2013

Thinking of you and your family as you go through your stages of grieving. JJ was a bright light that will burn in the hearts of many, always. Much love and light to you all.
Andrea, Mike, Kyle, and Chiara xxoo

June Bray

August 18, 2013

Joanne and Jeanna, my heart goes out to you and your family. Hope you find solace in all of your wonderful memories. Lots of Hugs!

Jennifer (Dodd) Towle

August 18, 2013

Was so saddened to hear of JJ's passing. I happened to be at Valley View registering my girls when I heard. That is when I met JJ when we were students there. He was a super funny and wonderful person. Always a smile on his face or a laugh around the corner. I am so very sorry for your families loss. JJ was truly a wonderful person and am sure will be truly missed.
RIP JJ ??????

Laura (DeKat) Hindes

August 18, 2013

Happy Birthday Sweet JJ! A sweet man with a huge heart, was taken from us way too soon. My condolences to his family and friends. JJ was a good friend of mine in High school. I will forever have fond memories of him and the special guy that he was. He touched so many with his big heart and fun loving character. He will be truly missed. I feel honored to have known him. Rest in Peace my friend.

Laura (deKat) ~ Hindes

August 17, 2013

Happy birthday sweet JJ! A big man with a big heart. Gone too soon, but remembered forever. My condolences go out to his family and friends. JJ was one of my closest friends in High school and after. Though I have not seen him in 5 years, he is in my heart and memories of him live on. Keep on shining JJ!

David and Pam Fugere

August 17, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family, in this time of sorrow. JJ always impressed me as having such a kind and gentle spirit.

August 17, 2013

So very sorry, cannot imagine losing a son, prayers with you.
Cathalean (Barber) Maher

Jo Ann Reeves

August 17, 2013

Joanne,Jeanna and family: JJ lit up every person that was fortunate enough to have had him in their lives. He will be truly missed but never forgotten..

Terry & Debbie Maxwell

August 17, 2013

Joanne,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you. May your many fond memories help to sustain you during this difficult time.
Love, Terry & Debbie Maxwell

kathy durry

August 17, 2013

Joanne, our thoughts and love are with you. You've had a terrible loss, but your memories will keep you smiling.
Kathy and Tom Duffy

Lori Ambrosino

August 17, 2013

JJ you were a wonderful person with a very special gift of kindness and friendship to everyone you met. You will be truly missed. Love to all, Lori Ambrosino

Joe Evans

August 17, 2013

Joanne, JJ will be missed by all who knew him. You raised a great son and it showed in how he treated all those who met him. You have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy

Jeannette Collins

August 17, 2013

I feel so blessed to have crossed paths with JJ through the Barrett's...My thoughts and prayers are with you...?

Roseann Ball

August 17, 2013

What a special Guy. One can't say enough of the joy he brought into the room as he entered. Good looks, Charisma,personality, all the things people would gravitate to. I will miss you, J.J.! -your cousin

Terry and Dee HAWS

August 17, 2013

We are truly sorry for the families loss. We had the pleasure enjoying JJ at our BBQs and as a training partner. You will be missed Big Guy.

Carmen Aranda, Logan

August 17, 2013

JJ was always a friendly face at the gym. He took the time to walk up n say Hello n ask how things are. A special man with a special smile. U will b missed but always remembered. May God's arms b around ur love ones during this difficult time.

David Lelli

August 17, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gabellini family. God Bless and love always, David and Fral Lelli

Simon Nuthall

August 17, 2013

JJ was one of a kind that i am lucky enough to have known. Words can't express the feeling you got being in the glow of his life and personality. He will forever be missed.

Sue Brown

August 17, 2013

Angel Wing Hug's

Wilda Farrar

August 17, 2013

It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but may you find comfort in knowing you were such a special part of J.J.'s life.

Mike Giannini

August 17, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to your family in this time of loss. He will truly be missed. Your family will be in our prayers.

Tina Maier

August 17, 2013

I am blessed to have known JJ...Always made a bookclub discussion interesting. Much love goes to Joanne, Jeanna and family

Sheila Mintzer

August 17, 2013

Let's keep this candle burning in JJ's memory. Happy Birthday!!

Love Sheila

Judy Eddy

August 17, 2013

Joanne, to you and your family, I offer my sympathy. I did not know JJ very well, but the time in Jackson must have been typical JJ. We all had a fun time, and he kept us laughing! Such memories should help you cope with his absence. Love and hugs!

Pam and Dan Mac Donald

August 17, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Gerald Guintu

August 17, 2013

I loved the journey through life we travelled. What an adventure it has been. Thanks for the memories, your big heart and giant gentleness. You will always be in my heart. Love to family friends.

Brandon Riggenti

August 17, 2013

So very sorry for your family's loss. I grew up a couple of grades back from JJ, but knew him through my brother, Jack Riggen, and Brandon and Kristin Barret (we graduated together) over many years (Hidden Valley, Valley View, College Park, yeah that's a long time!), so I saw JJ off and on through the years. He has always been a very nice guy and is still well loved and appreciated by all who got the pleasure of knowing him. I am thankful that I can count myself as one of that honored group.

Ron Bower

August 17, 2013

JJ will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences.

August 17, 2013

Joanne: We were saddened by the news. JJ was a special son and we send our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Love, Jim and Holly

Kristine Butterfield

August 17, 2013

Maybe once in life are we lucky enough to get the chance to meet someone like JJ. He brought life, to life.

Jennifer

August 16, 2013

You are deeply loved by so many, you will never be forgotten!

LINDA BARNS NEWTON

August 16, 2013

Joanne and family: My sincere sympathy in the tragic loss of your son, J.J.

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