George DeGabriel

George DeGabriel died on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 87 years of age. Born in New York City to Joseph and Mary (Buttacavoli) DeGabriel, he was proud of his Maltese and Sicilian heritage. The family moved to Yonkers when George was a young man, and this city was his residence until his death. For approximately thirty years, he and his partner, Robert Petrie operated the Yonkers-based Despro Manufacturing Company. Upon retirement from Despro, he worked for several years as a consultant for Emco Plastic Company. George served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He married Margaret Morton and they had five sons: Steven; Robert; Richard; Kevin and Sean. The “boys” and their growing families have been a constant joy to him. He devoted time to the Boy Scouts of America with his sons and loved making model airplanes, a hobby that lasted throughout his life. He shared his love of flying with his grandchildren and taught them how to fly the planes he made. George spent the last thirty-five years of his life with his companion, Joan O’Gorman whom he loved and was loved not only by her, but also her family. Her children thought of him as a father, and her grandchildren loved him as a grandfather. To them he was “Pop.” He received a great deal of pleasure from all family activities and from friends and relatives alike who grew to know his kindness and affection. His life was further enriched through travel and personal and community involvement. As a professional boxing judge, George was an active NABF and WBC member. He served as Treasurer for the Boxing Officials Association of New York and Treasurer of the Twenty-Five Club of Yonkers. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, American Legion and was part of the Citizens Corps. Steering Committee of the Yonkers Office of Emergency Management. George served as a Director on the Board of the Sunnybrook Gardens and was a Medicare Rights Center Advocate. He joined 55+, AARP and helped develop Wise Old Men (WOM). Most recently he served as a board director for the Yonkers Community Development Agency. He leaves a saddened family, including his Canadian relatives who will always remember him lovingly. The families wish to thank all those who cared for George during his last days at the Calvary Hospice and Hospital. In Lieu of flowers, donations to Calvary Hospital are appreciated. Visiting hours will be at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home on Thursday, 3-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church, Bronxville on Friday, March 24th at 9:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Whalen & Ball Funeral Home

168 Park Avenue

Yonkers, New York 10703

914-965-5488

www.whalendandballfh.com