George F. Gabriel

George Francis Gabriel, 91, of Meadowbrook Manor in Agawam, died July, 25, 2017 with family by his side. Born on November 14, 1925 he was a resident of Watertown and then Lexington, MA for 54 years before moving to Agawam in 2000. He was a graduate of Malden High School. George was a businessman in the Lexington community as a hairdresser. He traveled and trained various hairstylists over the years in addition to owning his own hair salon. He loyally served the United States Navy in WWII. He was President of the Lexington Lions Club in 1964-1965, and was the chairman for the March of Dimes and past Charter member of the Lodge of Elks, both in Lexington. He was honored as a life member of the Lexington Minute Men, where he portrayed Captain Parker for over 30 years. He earned the rank of Commanding Captain from 1968-1971 and Chief of Staff. During his time with the Minute Men, he participated in many events including the annual re-enactments of the Battle at Lexington. George marched in two presidential inauguration parades for John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter. He was part of the honor guard that stood attention while former President General Ford placed a wreath at the foot of the Lexington Green Monument. In 1990 Major George F. Gabriel was the Chief Marshal in the Patriot’s Day Parade and was the 2015 Parade Marshal for the Agawam Memorial Day Parade. He participated in the Senior Games Men’s Pool, and was a current member of the Agawam Senior Center and the American Legion Post 185 in Agawam.
George was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Constance T. (Russo) Gabriel who died in 2001, and his son Jay Gabriel who died in 2004. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Donna; four granddaughters: Tiffany Ramos, Ashley Gabriel, Jacquelyn Gabriel, and Kristine Gabriel; three great-grandchildren: Brianna Ramos, Brayden Gabriel, and Audrey Ramos; three step-grandchildren: Shawn Larson, Andrea Salerno, and Heather Watson; seven step-great grandchildren: Jack Watson, Calista Watson, Makenna Larson, Roan Larson, Olivia Larson, Tucker Salerno and Veronica Salerno; his loving companion Edythe Chiba; nieces and nephews and extended family members. Besides his wife, George is predeceased by two brothers, Frederick and Alfred Gabriel and his sister Rose Spencer.
Visiting hours will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home on 985 Main Street in Agawam. On Thursday, August 3rd George’s funeral service will begin at 12:00pm at the funeral home, and burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Donations may be made Friends of the Agawam Senior Center or to the charity of one’s choice.

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