Frank G. Gabriel, 77, Altoona, died Tuesday at his residence after a brief illness.
He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of Germano and Mary (DeDea) Gabriel. He married Arline F. Tanner on Sept. 17, 1960, in Long Island, N.Y., and she preceded him in death on March 14, 2010.
Surviving are two sons: Jeff of Long Island, N.Y., and Craig and wife, Mary, of Altoona; two daughters: Pam Schaaf and Paula Gabriel, both of Long Island; a grandson, Christopher Schaaf; a brother, Valentine Gabriel of Long Island; a sister, Anna Eaton of Altoona; as well as nieces, nephews and relatives in California, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida.
Frank was a 1953 graduate of Brooklyn High School and retired as a supervisor from the Sanitation Department of the town of Hempstead, N.Y. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and also belonged to the VFW, American Legion, Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, Cesare Battisti Club, Heidelberg Country Club and Bavarian Aid Society.
Frank enjoyed dining out and a good steak, shooting rifles at the range, playing poker, going to casinos and traveling.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 20, 2012, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2012, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church by Father Michael Becker. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
