Obituary of Joseph P. Gabriel
Joseph P. Gabriel, of Delray Beach, Florida, beloved husband of Marie R. Gabriel, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 after a long illness in Delray Beach, Florida. He was 87 years old. Joseph was born on August 27, 1917 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He attended Harding High School graduating in 1935. He played basketball, baseball and football with several East End teams. Afterward he attended Booth and Bayliss Business School. Joseph worked at General Electric, then joined DElia Electric Co. of Bridgeport until 1941 when he was drafted into the Air Force. He was sent to Greenville Air Base School and joined Squadron 437. Shortly after he was transferred to Stewart Army Air Base for West Point Graduates where he held the position of 1st Sergeant-Post Sergeant Major until 1946 when he was discharged at Mitchell Field. Joseph returned to DElia Electric in 1946 and stayed until 1966 when he purchased the company. Shortly after he re-opened a new business called D'Elia Associates of Connecticut in North Haven where he remained until 1980. He then sold the company and returned as president. He joined Mill River Country Club in 1949 where he served as president and secretary. In 1980 Joseph returned to Delray Beach, Florida where he and his wife spend many happy years.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marie Rizzi Gabriel, a brother Paul Gabriel and his wife, Muriel of Bridgeport, a son Paul Gabriel and his wife, Barbara of Trumbull and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Victor Gabriel.
Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 200 Shelton Road, Trumbull on Friday, April 8, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. There are no calling hours. The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull is in charge of arrangements.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450.