David Phillip Gaebel, age 76, of Fresno, California passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025 after suffering a serious skiing accident. David was born in Carthage, New York on December 19, 1948. He was the second of eight children born to Sterling and Margaret Rose (Thesier) Gaebel. David attended Carthage Augustinian Academy, graduating in the Class of 1967. He enlisted in the Navy, serving three tours of Vietnam from 1967-71 and serving on both the USS Hancock and USS Oriskany as an Aviation Electrician.
David joined the Fresno Fire Department on May 1, 1979. During his 25 years with the department he served as a Firefighter, Fire Engineer, and was a member of the Technical Rescue Team until his retirement in 2004.
David was an avid skier, motorcycle rider, sky diver, and member of the Wind & Fire Motorcycle Club.
David’s infectious smile and adventurous spirit will be missed by his wife, Carolyn, three sons, Drew, Dusty, and Jackson, his daughter-in-law Emma, six sisters (Charyn, Cheryl, MaryAnn, Teresa, Carolyn, and Linda), one brother (Jeff), their spouses, sixteen nieces and nephews, extended family members, classmates, fellow firefighters, and many friends.
A celebration of David’s life will take place on Friday, April 11th at 11:00am at People’s Church in Fresno.
Donations may be made in David’s memory to Champ Camp, c/o Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, 44 Montgomery Street - 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94104 or at aarbf.org
