Robert Bartlett Gabriel Jr.

Robert Bartlett Gabriel, Jr was born August 30th, 1946 in Johnson County, Indiana to Robert B. Gabriel Sr & his wife Margaret Mary (Mickey) Schneider. Bob was the oldest and had 3 younger siblings, Ray, Patricia & Bill.

He was raised on numerous military bases (as a military brat) and graduated from Brother Rice High School where he lettered in Football all four years, and later earning his Associates Degree from MSU Michigan State University.

Gabe served 10 1/2 years in the Navy before transitioning to the Department of Defense - Department of the Navy (NAVSEA) where he served for 33 additional years. He was always a submariner and was a computer specialist with a focus on computer systems, communications and sonar systems. While in the Navy Bob earned his “Dolphins” (considered one of the hardest warfare qualifications in the Navy). He left the Navy as an E-6, and retired from the Federal Government as a GS-13 (2 pay grades above the President).

When is comes to family and love, Gabe lived three different lifetimes…

His first experience with love and family were his parents and his siblings. He would light up when talking about his father's service as a fighter pilot and squadron commander during WWII and later a test pilot. He would also brag about two of his siblings being doctors (Pat an Endocrinologist and Bill a Psychologist) and his remaining brother Ray being a top-tier martial artist and businessman.

In 1970 Bob married his soulmate, the love of his life, Betty Barnes. They shared a love of horses. Betty already had 4 children from her first marriage. So, he became a husband and a father in the same day. The children, Rick, John, Linda & Jodie recall Gabe being a remarkable husband to their mother. The two remained blissfully in love even through her passing due to a car crash and subsequent medical issues in 1999. He later adopted Jodie and Jodie’s daughter Morgan was always the apple of her Grandpa’s eye!

Bob got a second chance and love and family when he met and married Billie Christiansen in 2002. The two fell in love in Hawaii before moving to Connecticut prior to making Florida their home. They were married 21 years. Billie also had children from her first marriage, Lisa, Denise and Scott. So, once again, Gabe became a husband and a father on the same day again. Once again, he adopted the youngest, Scott. Gabe also had a very special bond with Scott’s youngest daughter, Trinity.

Gabe was a man of deep faith and community. He spent decades in the Catholic faith before later switching to Unity, where he was a board member for many years prior to him Joining Connections where he was a vital member of the church family. It was rare that he ever missed a Sunday at Church (and he normally brought doughnuts). Gabe dedicated years to being a proud member and in several Lions Clubs, often serving as President. He was also a dedicated Mason and worked his way up through the chairs before eventually becoming the Worshipful Master of Gateway Lodge #384. In addition, he was a key teacher and helped raise up countless brothers through the ranks.

Pop was larger than life both literally and figuratively. He had an imposing physical stature and an even bigger personality and laugh! His favorite saying was, “well, I don’t do anything small”. In fact he “supersized”, “over engineered” or “Tim the Toolman Taylor-ed” pretty much everything…. Including the house (that he built with his own two hands) and countless woodworking, furniture and construction projects. He was a master at woodworking and had an extensive woodworking shop. He also loved the ocean and loved to fish. He owned multiple boats and a large fishing rod and reel collection.

On February 19th, Gabe transitioned to Heaven from the West Melbourne Health and Rehab Center in Florida. He had been bed bound since taking a fall on August 6th. I was there every day and Pop kept a smile and an upbeat attitude the entire time. The doctors, nurses and staff that took care of Pop all said, that he made it his personal mission to make each one laugh or smile every time they entered his room.

Gabe was preceded in Heaven by his Soulmate Betty, his parents Robert and Mickey & his sister Pat.

He is survived by his ex-wife Billie, his brothers Ray and Bill. His children Scott & Jodie (both he adopted) and Lisa, Denise, Rick, John & Linda. He also had 13 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gabe’s legacy lives on through the lives that he touched!

We invite you to join us on Saturday March 21st at 11:00 at the Gateway Masonic Lodge located at 2995 Temple Lane, MIMS, FL 32754 for the Funeral of Robert B. Gabriel Jr. Following the service we invite you to come or stay at the lodge for Gabe’s Celebration of Life that will be held in the Dining Hall of the Lodge after the funeral, yummy food will be provided.

Ps. It is Divine Timing that March 21st was Bob & Betty’s Wedding Anniversary)