FRANK W. GABRIEL, JR

Frank W. Gabriel Jr., 82, of Riverview Manor in Owego, NY, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. Riverview Manor in Owego, NY, had been his home for the past ten years, a place where he found comfort and a true sense of community. Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff for the personal, compassionate, and attentive care they provided to him throughout his time there especially to John, Stephanie, Jodi, Whitney, Sharon, Theresa, Ryan and Debbie.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank Sr. and Beatrice Gabriel; his wife of 43 years, Shirley; his brother, Wesley; his sister, Annamae Hurlburt; brothersinlaw, Ed Murray and Neal Brewer; nieces, Cheyenne Ralston and Laurie Spencer; and nephew, David Murray.

He is survived by his stepchildren: Valerie (Dick) Bennett, Tina (Rick) Barton, Amy (Jeff) Harvey, Randy (Penny) Short, Mark (Lynda) Short, Jill (Stino) Cervini, and Kent Chilson. He is also survived by his sisters, Lorraine Brewer and Sharon Murray; his brothers, Gary, John, and Glen; as well as many beloved grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Frank graduated from UE High School and went on to work at IBM before proudly enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Iwo Jima where he was trained as a specialized radar technician. After his service, he worked alongside his father for a time before establishing his own business, Gabriel Construction, where he built a respected career as a general contractor with his stepson Mark working alongside him for 30 years. Until his retirement in 2014, he built or remodeled many local businesses such as Day and Night, Howard Johnson's, Smokin Joe's, Hess Gas Stations, Jiffy Lube and Burger King to name a few.

He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and loved weekends of fishing and boating with Shirley and the family at their retreat in Canada, as well as memorable trips to Florida. Frank was known for his willingness and generosity to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

One of Frank's most recent memories came in September 2021, when he was selected for the trip of a lifetime to join fellow veterans on the Twin Tiers Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The day was spent visiting the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam, WWI and Korean Veteran's Memorials and the Three Soldiers Statue. The experience meant the world to him, and he spoke about it with pride and gratitude, a reminder of a moment that lifted his spirit and stayed with him for the rest of his days.

A memorial will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home in Endicott, NY, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the funeral service thereafter. Cremation burial with military honors will be held at Vestal Hills Memorial Park immediately following.