Joseph Paul Gabris

Joseph P. Gabris passed away peacefully while sleeping in the early hours of November 8th, 2013 after a long and courageous battle against cancer and congestive heart failure. He was two weeks short of his 89th birthday.

Joe was born in Snowden, Pennsylvania in 1924 to Joseph and Stella Gabris who preceded him in death as did four siblings and one grandson. He is survived by his wife Jean, sisters Jenny Llewellyn and Lillian Borowsky, brother August Gabris, children Joe (Dixie) Gabris Jr., Mike Witt, Gayle (Kurt) Gebert, Cindy (John) Jenkins, Becky Gabris, grandchildren Tami, Kevin, Kyle, Kara, Michael, Carrie, Chris, John, Andrea, Vanessa, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Much gratitude to Dale and Linda Harmon and Amy Turnquist and family for the faithful help and love that they gave to Joe so willingly. Also, thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at Kitsap Hospice Care Center for the love and care given to Joe in his final days. Comfort Keepers caregivers were invaluable to his care as were Drs. Roger Ludwig, Randall Moeller, George Wiggins, Joseph Johnson, Gordon Cromwell Jr. and Gregory Fleischhauer. Special thanks to the residents and staff of Canterbury Manor for their prayers, cards, and thoughts.

Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corp during the second World War. He fought bravely in the Pacific campaign, was injured and received a medical discharge in 1945, was awarded the Purple Heart and many other medals. He spent the next year in the hospital recovering from his wartime wounds. He lived in the Spokane area before moving to Bremerton where he met Jean, his loving wife and companion for many years. Joe worked in the construction industry as a foreman for Hedreen Construction and supervised such projects as the Westin, Park Hilton and Madison hotels in Seattle. He retired in 1986.

Retirement didn’t slow Joe down. He and Jean traveled the U.S. in their motor home visiting children and relatives across the country. They were camphosts at Fort Worden for 5 years and managed the Pinewood Mobile Home Park for 10 years. Joe was a very well regarded man and people were drawn to him through his charisma. He was a talented handyman and built the most beautiful human size doll houses that showed his wood working skills. He was one of the most active 80 year old people that you’ll ever see.

Services will be held at Miller-Woodlawn, 5505 Kitsap Way, with a reception to follow.