Joseph Thomas Gabriel

Joseph Thomas Gabriel 86, a resident of Granger, IN passed away peacefully of natural causes, at his home on March 14, 2024. Joe was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on February 27, 1938 to the late Daniel and Gussie (Ranalli) Gabriel.

He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1956, where he actively participated in gymnastics. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and after an honorable discharge, served six years in the Army Reserves.

Joe attended Pratt Institute and the City College of New York studying mechanical engineering. This led to a career as senior design engineer at Robert Bosch Corp. in Bridgeman, MI.

In 1961, on a New Years Eve blind date, arranged by mutual friends he met his future sweetheart. On October 19,1963 he married Francine (Alaimo) in St. Finbars R.C. Church in Brooklyn, New York. They were a loving couple for 60 ½ years.

Left to cherish his memory, with his wife Francine, are his three children, April (Ronnie) Miller, Dr. Eric (Katie) Gabriel, & Christopher (Katrina) Gabriel; twelve grandchildren: Samuel, Nicholas, and Nathaniel Miller, Lucas, Ellie, Jack, Danielle, Andrew, Katherine, William, Enzo, and Romeo Gabriel; his sister, Ann Glockner; his sister & brother-in-law, Claire and Pat LaRusso; and his faithful furry companion Lucy.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Irene Gabriel; and his brother-in-law, Harold Glockner.

He was a perfectionist at heart and our own Mr. Fix- It. He was our go to person to troubleshoot a problem, working diligently to produce a solution for any challenge, no matter how long it took. Joe did not give up.

Joe was an accomplished woodworker and photographer. He enjoyed building and flying control lines & radio control model airplanes. He was a member of The Garden State Circle Burners, Tri Valley R.C. Club, Knollwood Country Club, the Knights of Columbus, and a long-time parishioner of St. Pius X Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 1 pm, with visitation beginning an hour prior. The Mass will conclude with a final military salute at St. Pius X Church 52553 N. Fir Rd Granger, IN.