Jack Gabriel

Jack E. Gabriel was born on October 27, 1930 in Columbus, Ohio and went home to be with his Lord on May 21, 2026 at Kobacker House in Columbus at the age of 95. He lived a long, full life, growing up during the Great Depression, coming to age during World War II and, motivated by the patriotic bravery he witnessed during that time, relinquished his senior year at North High School to enlist in the U.S. Army.

The time of his life he most enjoyed—and frequently spoke about thereafter—were the years he spent as a TRUST trooper in the Free Territory of Trieste during the height of the Cold War. While there, he earned his GED and took some college courses to become a radio repairman in the Signal Corps. It was also there that he met his bride, Carmela, and brought her back to Columbus to raise a family over their next 75 years together.

Supporting his family first as a route salesman for Dolly Madison Bakery, he joined the U.S. Post Office in 1964 and became a letter carrier until he retired in 1991. For a number of years he also served as a part-time custodian at Thomas Worthington High School. He also was a member of the Leasure-Blackston Post 239 of the American Legion in Worthington, Ohio. He served as Commander, and for a decade and a half he organized and led the annual Memorial Day parade in Worthington which, during his tenure, became the premier Memorial Day event in Central Ohio. In addition, he was a skilled woodworker, and created a number of beautiful and practical items which have graced the homes of his family members. This talent also was displayed in numerous remodeling projects in his homes.

Jack (along with his wife) gave his life to Christ in late 1993 and subsequently his life changed in many ways. He and Carmela became dedicated volunteers at a local nursing home and ministered to many patients, both adults and children, for a number of years. In addition, Jack served the Lord as a deacon and head usher at CrossRoads Baptist Church, which they faithfully attended several times a week for about 35 years.

He spent many hours calling and visiting fellow church members. His faith is his greatest legacy, and he never failed to engage his nurses and medical providers in spiritual conversations during his frequent interactions with them over the past several years.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Blanche Gabriel, his daughter Diana, and his sister Roberta. He is survived by his wife Carmela, sons Paul (Jean) Gabriel, John (Barbara) Gabriel, and David (Lisa) Gabriel; brother Jim Gabriel of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; sister Carol Fridezcky of Crisfield, Maryland; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the country.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 27th at 1:00 p.m. at CrossRoads Baptist Church, 5075 Cleveland Avenue, 43231. Family and friends are welcome to visit beginning at noon at the church. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, followed by a casual lunch at the church.