Francis J. Gabriel

Frank "Gabe" Gabriel, 90, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, surrounded by his loving family at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Frank was born in Syracuse on March 30, 1926 and attended St. Vincent de Paul High School. After high school, he became a part of the "Greatest Generation," and as a teenager, enlisted into the Navy. He was trained at Sampson US Naval Training and Boot Camp Center as a radioman specialist, third class in the Morse Code Communication System for battleships. Frank was assigned to travel with Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, Commander of the 5th Fleet as part of his communication staff. He served on the battleship USS New Mexico in the Battle of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Frank also served on the heavy cruiser, USS Indianapolis and the battleship, USS New Jersey. He was the recipient of the American Theater Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, three stars and the Victory Medal. After the war, Frank returned to the US and met his sweetheart, Helen Stankiewicz, and was married June 16, 1951. Frank joined his father in the family business, Frank Gabriel Automotive, and became president of the company where he worked for more than 60 years. An avid golfer, he was a 50-year member with the Eastwood Golf League at Green Lakes Country Club, which he always looked forward to. He enjoyed bowling and participated in many leagues in the Syracuse area. On the weekends, he especially loved taking his family to his camp in Bernards Bay on Oneida Lake, where he looked forward to fishing, boating and relaxing. The family will always cherish fond camp memories. One of the final highlights of his life was last fall when he participated in Honor Flight Mission #006 to Washington D.C. along with 100 other WWII veterans on a private charter plane, accompanied by his son, Rick. Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Helen; children, Anne (Frank) Gabriel of Schenectady, Linda (Dr. Hugh) Hoy of Sarasota, FL and Rick (Nadine) Gabriel of Syracuse; nine grandchildren; soon to be eight great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Friday, May 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m. in St. Charles~St. Ann's Parish, 501 S. Orchard Rd. Francis will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Honor Flight Syracuse, P.O. Box 591, Syracuse, NY 13209.