Paul F. Gabriel

Paul F. Gabriel, 86, of Holland, OH passed away on August 13, 2024. Paul was born on September 6, 1937. He was preceded in death my his beautiful wife, Mary (Bluni) Gabriel, parents Ralph and Ettabelle (Simon) Gabriel, and his Aunts and Uncles who he loved very much. 

Paul leaves behind his loving Son Cliff (Kai) Gabriel, Step-Sons Jerry (Carrie) Ferrantino and Tony (Helene) Ferrantino, Grandchildren Clifford, Morganne, Daniel, Brian, Vincent, and Jillian, and Great-Grandchildren. He is also survived by many Cousins, Nieces and Nephews who he loved spending time with. 

Paul honorably served in the Navy just out of high school. He met his first wife, Shelby (Fuller), and they had their son, Cliff, in 1963. Paul later met the love of his life, Mary (Bluni), and they danced together for 29 wonderful and adventurous years. 

Paul worked for GM Powertrain for nearly 40 years. After he retired, Paul and Mary spent their time going on vacations and cruises with Mary’s wonderful family. By society’s standards, Paul wasn’t an exceptional man. But his family will tell you he was anything but ordinary. He loved to bowl, golf, and was a phenomenal dancer. Golf, however, was not his best event, but he played anyway. In his later years, golf outings became some of he and Cliff’s most cherished memories. 

Paul would make the most mundane tasks ridiculous and hilarious, often causing chaos and laughter. Whether it was catching his golf glove on fire while trying to light a cigar, vehicular musical chairs at stop lights, or fantastic one-liners that would stop people in their tracks, Paul was usually the life of the party. To sum up Paul’s life in a few paragraphs is impossible. He did so much and lived such a full life. But maybe, just maybe, it’s because Paul wasn’t ordinary at all. Exceptionalism, as it turns out, comes in many forms. We found that it comes in the form of a kind and generous Father and Grandfather, who lived with an unmatched zest for life. He will be missed more than words can convey.

 Family and friends will be received at the Newcomer Funeral Home (Southwest Chapel) 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo on Monday, August 26, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 AM. Services will begin immediately after visitation at 11:00 AM. Interment, Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.