Former Rumsonite Michael Gabriel, 56, Passes Away Suddenly

The following is Michael Gabriel’s obituary, courtesy of John E. Day Funeral Home:

Michael Gabriel Photo/courtesy of John E. Day Funeral Home
Michael Gabriel
Photo/courtesy of John E. Day Funeral Home

Michael F. Gabriel, 56, passed away suddenly on Friday March 25, 2016.

Born in Red Bank to Frank Gabriel and Barbara Demcoe, he grew up in Rumson before moving to Monmouth Beach in 1994.

At the age of 13 he received the rank of Eagle Scout and was a junior champion skeet shooter. Mike was a 1981 graduate of the University of Miami and received his Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration. He was a passionate sports fan.

During football season, Saturdays were saved for cheering on his son who plays for his beloved Miami Hurricanes, and Sundays were devoted to the the New York Giants. From a young age, he spent his summers at Monmouth Park Racetrack, parking cars and most recently as a successful thoroughbred horse owner.

An avid golfer, he was a member of Deal Country Club and was proud to be part of The Shrimpers; and most recently he joined the Dye Preserve Golf Club in Jupiter, FL.

Mike was the Executive Director of Arcadia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hamilton Square, NJ.

He is survived by: a son and two daughters, Frank S. Gabriel, Kristin N. Gabriel and Caroline L. Gabriel, of Monmouth Beach and their mother, Amie Gabriel, of Long Branch.

Mike is also survived by: his mother, Barbara A. Gabriel, of Monmouth Beach; brother Frank Gabriel Jr., of Tarpon Springs, FL; two sisters, Lori Gabriel Petschauer, of Long Branch, and Gloria Vaccarella of Daytona Beach, FL; two nieces, Caitlin Dziedzic and Kendall Petschauer; two nephews, Gary and Michael Vaccarella.

He also leaves behind his girlfriend Kathryn Bateman of Monmouth Beach, and his beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog, Alice.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, at the Church of the Precious Blood, 72 Riverdale Ave., Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at www.thoroughbredaftercare.org.

Please visit Mike’s memorial website at johnedayfuneralhome.com.