Lt. Col. Gabriel J. Elia Ret.

Lt. Col. Gabriel J. Elia, Ret., 87, of Syracuse, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at home. He was born in Syracuse to the late Salvatore and Francis (DiLillo) Elia in 1926 and graduate of St. Patrick’s High School. He was a US Army Veteran serving both active duty and reserves from 1944 to 1979. He was a technician for Department of the Army Civilian for 35 years before retiring in 1979. Gabe was a lifelong communicant of St. Patrick’s Church. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Edith (Rinaldo) May 1st.

He is survived by a daughter; Bonnie (Rick) Whitford, of Syracuse, 3 sons; Gabriel II (Mary Ellen), of Camillus, Timothy and Samuel, of Syracuse, 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, former daughter-in-law; Maribeth Elia, of Geddes and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 2, 2014 at 9:15 am in BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, and 10 am in St. Patrick’s Church, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Entombment with military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Resurrection Mausoleum, DeWitt.

Family and friends may call Sunday, June 1, 2014 from 1 to 4 pm at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Ave.

Please offer online condolences at www.bagozzitwins.com.