On July 28, 2021, Rocky Gabriel, 78 years old, formerly of Des Moines, IA the son of Robert Gabriel and Betty Jean Kramer left us. As he was passing he was held in the arms of his “bride” Barbara Wills of 57 years, at their home in Buckeye, AZ, while surrounded by his family. He was named for his uncle but preferred being called Rock. He was aptly named as he never gave up or gave in to the numerous health challenges life presented him.
He and Barbara raised two precious and loving daughters, Rochelle Gabriel of Buckeye, AZ, and Maribeth Gabriel Shell of Ocean Grove, NJ. His only grandchild, Shane Shell, brought a new joy to his life and he thoroughly relished their times they spent together. He treasured a special relationship with his son-in-law Adam Shell.
Rock served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga and the USS Bauer DE 1025 as a radar man. He made life-lasting friendships that remained strong through the years. They enjoyed reminiscing over a beer about their Navy days, played golf, and traveled together with their wives. They saluted each other one final time before his passing.
He was a member of the 1960 graduating class of Dowling High School Des Moines IA. Later on with the support of his family, Rock continued his post-high school education and completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Drake University in Des Moines, IA, in 1980. While completing his studies, he worked full-time and continued being a great father to his girls.
His life’s work centered around 32 years of service in the telecommunications industry, beginning at Northwestern Bell in Des Moines, IA, and culminating at CenturyLink, in Phoenix, AZ. He continued to work another 10 years at Explorer Middle School in the Paradise Valley Unified School District. He enjoyed middle school students and their sentiment was reciprocated.
If you know Rock you know he was a man of few words. Nevertheless, he was an outspoken die-hard New York Yankees fan and a very vocal University of Iowa “Hawkeyes” fan. His grandson’s hockey interest prompted Rock to learn the game of hockey and he enjoyed watching Shane play from Mites to Junior Hockey and was looking forward to following his college hockey career. He relished an occasional Chicago Cubs tease with Nana, his mother-in-law, never letting her forget his beloved New York Yankees were better than her Cubs.
Rock was deprived of his athletic ability by Parkinson’s disease, but that didn’t prevent him from trying to get out on the golf course and tee off again. After completing numerous physical therapy sessions he was able to walk without a walker and once again play golf with his neighbors.
His culinary achievement enjoyed by many was his own homemade pizza. He finally perfected a crust he made from scratch and he created his own sauce recipe. He has shared his recipe with friends and family. It can always be said Rock loved food in general, but pizza was his favorite.
He is held and remembered in the hearts of those who know and love him. Rest in Peace Rock, love you forever and a day.
A memorial service honoring Rock will be held in the spring, the date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Rocky Gabriel to the Directed Gift Fund at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, 1 West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52244.
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