Duane Richard Gabel

Dick was born on April 8, 1936 in Canton, OH to the late Herman and Leah (Bailey) Gabel.

Dick was a veteran of the United States Navy and served from 1954 to 1958 stationed in San Diego, California. He held the rank of CT2, Cryptologic Technician Second Class. He was trained to decode classified information and intelligence communication and had the ability to communicate and decipher Morse code. Dick was also in the Naval Reserve from 1958 to 1962. While on active duty, Dick had tours in Hawaii and the Marshall Islands, the site of nuclear bomb testing.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Paula; a daughter and son in law, Kelly and Mark Desimone; a son and daughter in law, Richard and Stephanie Gabel; four grandchildren, Jamilyn Desimone, Kyle Desimone, Megan Gabel and Maecie Boos, and other family members.

Dick spent his career in the Finance Department for Ford Motor Credit Company and lived in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Dick retired after thirty years and he and Paula moved to Sarasota, Florida to enjoy the fine white sand of Siesta Key Beach.

Dick was a Mason for many years and was a member of the Masonic Solon Lodge #757 in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

Dick also enjoyed sports and liked playing golf. He was an avid Cleveland Indians baseball fan and a NASCAR racing fan. His favorite drivers were Dale Jarrett and Kevin Harvick.

Dick took pleasure in playing his Lowrey organ and took lessons through Fletcher Music Center. He was delighted to share his talent with other members of the organ club and played at various nursing homes in the Sarasota area.

A Celebration of Life gathering luncheon will be held on Tuesday, February 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home, 7454 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Graveside services with military honors will be private at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd. 72, Sarasota.