Alfred J. Gabriel, Sr.

Colonie- Alfred J. "Gabby" Gabriel, Sr., 83, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Troy he was the son of the late Federico and Pasqua (Paesano) Gabrielle. When his parents came to the United States, their names were changed to Frederick and Lena Gabriel. He was a graduate of LaSalle Institute of Troy. Alfred served in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division in the European Theatre. He fought in the Battle of Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, Remagen Bridge Head, Rhine Crossing, St. Lou Breakthrough, Paris. He served in England, France, Holland, Luxembourg and Germany. He received several medals including the Silver Star for serving in 5 battles in the European Campaign. Before the war, he worked at the Ford Motor Company and after that married Ann M. Reinhart. On the birth of their first child, Alfred had a choice of three companies to work with and chose Pepsi Cola. He started out in 1948 as a truck driver for Pepsi and through the years worked up to Vice President of Sales until his retirement in 1984. Alfred also worked as a Security Guard for OTB for several years. He was a former member of the Colonie Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, Joseph E. Zaloga American Legion Post, Past President, Secretary and Director of the Colonie Village Fire Company. He also helped organize the Town of Colonie Fire Police, where he later became Captain of the TOC Fire Police. Alfred loved life and was always willing to help out others. He and his wife had visited Mexico, many countries in Europe including Italy meeting many family members for the first time. Alfred was an avid Yankees fan and also enjoyed camping, and going to the casinos.
Alfred is predeceased, only two months ago, by his wife of 59 years Ann M. Gabriel, whom he loved and cherished, his brother Anthony Gabriel, his sister Ruth E. Connors, sisters-in-law, Shirley Gabriel, Muriel Gabriel and Dorothy Comorski and brother-in-law Joseph Reinhart.
Alfred is the father of Theresa (Donald) Quaglieri of Colonie, Lynda (Stephen) Kolach of Loudonville, Gloria (Stan) Nowacki of Colonie, and Alfred Gabriel, Jr. (Patricia) of Colonie. He is the grandfather of Donald Quaglieri, Jr., Tracy (Daniel) Poole, Stephanie (Brian) Tevis, Courtney (Kevin) O'Hearn, Sarah Kolach, James Oliver, Justin Kolach, and Dominique, Amanda and Zachary Gabriel. Alfred is the great-grandfather of Donald Quaglieri III, Brendan Durkee, Samantha and Andrew Quaglieri, Kylie Poole and Emma Poole, the brother of Guido Gabriel of Troy, Angeline (Joseph) Matucek of Troy, Joseph (Carol) Gabriel of Cape Cod, MaryAnn (William) Assini of Latham and Frederick (Joan) Gabriel of Cape Cod. He is also survived by his brother-in-law James Connors of Watervliet and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alfred's family would like to express a sincere thank you to all the nurses and staff at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital for the exceptional care and support given to Alfred and the family.
Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 26 Wilson Ave., Albany, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Calling Hours will be held on Sunday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 122-south of Central Ave.). Interment will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Church, 26 Wilson Ave., Albany, NY 12205, in memory of Alfred J. Gabriel. Expressions of Sympathy may be made at www.newcomerfamily.com.