John L. Gabriel, Sr

NEWPORT, RI - John L. Gabriel, Sr., formerly of North Drive, Portsmouth, RI, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2011 at St. Clare Home, Newport. He was the husband of the late Lois A. Safford Gabriel, together they shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Newport, RI on July 18, 1920, he was the son of the late Mario and Clara Bencivenga Gabriel.Mr. Gabriel served in the Navy during WWII. After the time he spent serving his country he worked 20 years for the Newport Police and was a member of the Newport F.O.P. John went on to work for another 20 years for the Newport Oil Corporation.He leaves his four sons John L. Gabriel, Jr. of Hanover, MA, Richard R. Gabriel of Tiverton, RI, David R. Gabriel of Portsmouth, RI, Joseph H. Gabriel of Zanesville, OH. John is also survived by his sister Marie Spooner of New Hampshire, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.He was the brother of the late Louis Gabriel. Calling hours will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.His funeral will be held on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 9:00 from the Connors Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02903