In Memory Of
Donald Gabriel
1921
2018
Donald Gabriel
August 28, 1921 — February 14, 2018
Donald E. Gabriel, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. He was born to the late Eber and Bessa Gabriel in Clarksburg, WV on August 28, 1921. He was a resident of the Village at Westerville. Don was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during World War II.
He was a radio broadcaster at WJW in Cleveland, OH during the 1950s and hosted "Don's Early Light," during the early morning hours, and "Wigwam Warm-up" for the Cleveland Indians. Entertainers would visit the studio and bring their own records for DJs to promote. One entertainer was Tony Bennett, who was a promising talent. Don enjoyed his on-air interviews with Soupy Sales, Moondog, Alan Freed, and many other celebrities. Don knew Rock n' Roll would impact the music industry, and particularly enjoyed their discussions.
Don went on to become the general manager of Shaker Square and then Bratenahl Place. Both he and his wife Jean enjoyed traveling with their family and meeting people from all over. He has had the pleasure of meeting many famous personalities throughout his career including Father Edward Flanagan, founder of Boys Town; Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, renowned minister and author; and several famous Hollywood actors.
In 1976, they moved to Columbus to fulfill their dream of owning their own restaurant, Don Gino's, in Hilliard. They worked together in the restaurant, which became a favorite to many. Don returned to broadcasting as the news director at WUCO in Marysville before retiring. He was an avid Ohio State sports fan and was proud to wear the scarlet and gray. He worked as a Redcoat at OSU games, which was a much sought-after position at their sold-out games. Don could strike up a conversation with anyone and often said, "I never met a stranger."
Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jean; son, Lee H. Gabriel; sister, Mary Jane Richmond; and brother, Bill Gabriel. He is survived by his sons, Raymond N. (Hannelore) Gabriel and Gary P. (Marcia) Gabriel; grandchildren, Aruna (Drew) Pietrack; Daniel Gabriel and Bryant Gabriel; sister, Aldene (Bill) Wirt; niece, Shera (John) Skaggs, and brother-in-law, Tullie Richmond.
The service will be held at 11:00 AM, Sunday, February 25, 2018 at The Village at Westerville, 215 Huber Village Blvd., Westerville, OH 43081.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Legion Westerville Post 171 or the Westerville Public Library.
He was a radio broadcaster at WJW in Cleveland, OH during the 1950s and hosted "Don's Early Light," during the early morning hours, and "Wigwam Warm-up" for the Cleveland Indians. Entertainers would visit the studio and bring their own records for DJs to promote. One entertainer was Tony Bennett, who was a promising talent. Don enjoyed his on-air interviews with Soupy Sales, Moondog, Alan Freed, and many other celebrities. Don knew Rock n' Roll would impact the music industry, and particularly enjoyed their discussions.
Don went on to become the general manager of Shaker Square and then Bratenahl Place. Both he and his wife Jean enjoyed traveling with their family and meeting people from all over. He has had the pleasure of meeting many famous personalities throughout his career including Father Edward Flanagan, founder of Boys Town; Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, renowned minister and author; and several famous Hollywood actors.
In 1976, they moved to Columbus to fulfill their dream of owning their own restaurant, Don Gino's, in Hilliard. They worked together in the restaurant, which became a favorite to many. Don returned to broadcasting as the news director at WUCO in Marysville before retiring. He was an avid Ohio State sports fan and was proud to wear the scarlet and gray. He worked as a Redcoat at OSU games, which was a much sought-after position at their sold-out games. Don could strike up a conversation with anyone and often said, "I never met a stranger."
Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jean; son, Lee H. Gabriel; sister, Mary Jane Richmond; and brother, Bill Gabriel. He is survived by his sons, Raymond N. (Hannelore) Gabriel and Gary P. (Marcia) Gabriel; grandchildren, Aruna (Drew) Pietrack; Daniel Gabriel and Bryant Gabriel; sister, Aldene (Bill) Wirt; niece, Shera (John) Skaggs, and brother-in-law, Tullie Richmond.
The service will be held at 11:00 AM, Sunday, February 25, 2018 at The Village at Westerville, 215 Huber Village Blvd., Westerville, OH 43081.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Legion Westerville Post 171 or the Westerville Public Library.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Gabriel, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Guestbook
Visits: 7
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors