Richard David Gable

Richard David Gable, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, proud Arizona native, and true American patriot passed away on March 25, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on January 6, 1944, in Phoenix, Arizona, he was the youngest of five children born to George and Elizabeth Gable.

Richard spent part of his childhood in Ajo, Arizona, where his family owned and operated the local newspaper, the Ajo Copper News. While in Ajo, he worked several jobs, including as a train brakeman in the copper mine. Although the family later returned to Phoenix, Richard returned to Ajo to graduate from Ajo High School. He then attended Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. While in college, Richard served as a Phoenix Police Officer, working to support his family to pay for his education while serving his community. After graduation, Richard built a successful thirty-five year career as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry. He worked with several leading companies, including Rockwell, AiResearch, AlliedSignal, and Honeywell. His contributions included work on major military projects such as the B-1 bomber, the Mark 48 torpedo program, and various missile defense initiatives.

On July 14, 1967, Richard married the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Karen Smith Gable. The couple shared nearly 59 years of marriage filled with love, trust, and partnership while raising their two loving children and enjoying their five beautiful grandchildren. Richard was an avid traveler who especially loved Kauai, the lighthouses and coasts of the eastern seaboard, Caribbean and Alaskan cruises, and European tours, always with Patty by his side. Richard was also deeply passionate about baseball. For many years he coached and managed his son Joey’s teams, leading them to numerous regional, district, and state championships. His dedication to the game and to the young athletes left a lasting impact. He also enjoyed an exciting Daniel Silva spy novel, history and geography, rooting for the Diamondbacks, cheering for any ASU team, barbecue beef, cherries, Dairy Queen Blizzards, and vanilla shakes. Richard was a deeply religious man and a faithful member of the Church of Christ. He loved reading the Bible and found great comfort in his faith. He was happy to be in the arms of Jesus at the time of his passing.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Karen Gable; his children, Joel David Gable, and Elana Patricia Gable Kaminski; his grandchildren, Matthew, Paige, Meredith, Trevor, and Addison; his sister, Diana Bockleman; four great-grandchildren; and many adoring in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth, his three brothers: William, Barry, and Francis, and his son-in-law and friend Keith Kaminski.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.