Peter Gabriel Jr.

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - Peter Gabriel Jr., 77, died Dec. 7, 2011, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a year-long illness.

He was born on Nov. 27, 1934, in Lawrence, Mass., the son of Peter and Mary (Abdulla) Gabriel. He was a resident of North Andover for the past 37 years. He grew up in Lawrence and attended Lawrence public schools. He was a graduate of Lawrence High and Lowell Technological Institute, from which he received a bachelor of science degree in 1961.

After graduating, he worked as a chemist for the Federal Food and Drug Administration. Mr. Gabriel then went on to receive his master of education degree from Salem State College in 1966 and a master of science degree for teachers from the University of New Hampshire in 1969.

He was a senior grade member of the American Chemical Society, a member of the Northshore Science Supervisors' Association, the Massachusetts Science of Education Leadership Association and the New England Association of Chemistry Teachers. Until his retirement in 1994, Mr. Gabriel was the chairman of the Science Department in the Billerica public schools, where he also taught for 33 years. He was also an adjunct professor of chemistry in the day program and a professor of chemistry in Continuing Education at the University of Lowell, now the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, for many years.

Mr. Gabriel was selected as an Outstanding Secondary Educator of America in 1973 in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of secondary education and service to the community.

He enjoyed his career as a teacher and gave guidance to many young students as they began to choose their own education and career paths.

He loved spending time with his three granddaughters, attending events of their interests and providing guidance for their education.

Mr. Gabriel was a communicant of St. Anthony Maronite Church in Lawrence.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Kathleen M. (MacCannell); his daughter, Christina Marie Gabriel and her husband, Laurent Hugon, of Brooklyn, N.Y., his son, Peter George Gabriel and his wife, Michelle, of North Andover. He also is survived by his three granddaughters whom he cherished: Emily Catherine and Hannah Grace Gabriel of North Andover, and Isabelle Marie Hugon of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a brother-in-law, Roland Parent, of Methuen, Mass. He leaves many nieces and nephews, a special cousin Edward "Scotty" Gabriel and a dear friend, Carol Pierce. He was predeceased by his sister, Yvonne Gabriel Parent of Methuen.

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SERVICES: Visiting hours are Friday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Farrah Funeral Home, 133 Lawrence St., Lawrence. A funeral Mass is Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Maronite Church, 70 Lawrence St., Lawrence, Mass. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Maronite Church or Merrimack Valley Hospice.