John Francis Gabriel
November 15, 1938 - October 11, 2021
Costa Mesa California
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John Francis Gabriel
November 15, 1938 - October 11, 2021
Costa Mesa California
Obituary
John Francis Gabriel
John was a first generation Northern Italian American born November 15, 1938 in the Bronx to Selma Rossetti and Willie Gabriel. They lived in his grandfather’s home with 2 other families. None of the adults had attended high school. Some couldn’t speak English. Until he was 25 he slept on a cot in the dining room. He skipped 2 grades and fell in love with public speaking winning his first NY state championship when he was 12. He graduated from Fordham Prep, College and Law school in 1962. He joined the Army Reserves, passed the NY Bar and went to work for the Federal Trade Commission. When the chance arose he ‘offered, to move to CA and help open the LA office.
Like dream come true he landed in Malibu living among movie stars. In 1968 he married Susan Duffield and passed the CA Bar. Goodbye NY and the FTC,
hello Harvey Aluminum, Cal Comp and Hunt Wesson, each of which moved East. Finally he found a professional home with the soft drink industry. First as General Council for Coke of Los Angeles and then as President of the Pepsi Cola Bottler’s Association. He attended the100th Celebrations for each and many major sporting events following their sponsorships including World Series, Rose Bowls, Ryder Cups, and Olympics in LA, Barcelona Sydney and Italy.
Meanwhile he and Susan raised their children Donna, Bill and Carrie. He treasured their long talks weighing their life choices. He was very proud to be their father and focused on providing for his family.
Retirement in 2006 refocused his energy from having to provide for family to discovering and following his passions and being a doting grandfather and husband. Susan got her ranch and horses and trips to Brazil, South Africa, Peru, Equador Chile and Southeast Asia. Each year he organized at least one golfing adventure domestic or foreign for his myriad golfing buddies. He also decided to leave this world better than he found it. First he became certified as an Court Appointed Special Advocate(CASA) for 3 wonderful young men. Then while recruiting for more CASAs he joined the Knights of Columbus and using his speaking talents started money raising for the Intellectually Disabled. He got certified as a Mediator and volunteered 2 days each week for Superior (family) Court. His final project was set up a mediation process for his parish.
He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Donna (Don), Casey, Rachael, Emma, Elisabeth, Mary, Joshua and Eve Kemlage, son Bill Gabriel and daughter Carrie (Jon) Kai and Kira Reynolds. Only Italian children have special sibling like bonds with their cousins: Giovani, Paula, Joyce, Michael, John, Dennis, Daren and Hank.
Died October 11, 2021 at Hoag Hospital
The family would like to invite all those who wish to attend services at Our Lady Queen of Angels on Thursday, November 11th. The service information is shown below. Following the funeral service will be a Celebration of Life at Santa Ana Country Club.
For those who wish to view the Live Stream of the service at the time listed below, please use this link:
In lieu of flowers, please share all of your favorite memories of John on the Memory Timeline and consider donating to CASA in memory of John.
Visitation
- Date & Time: November 11, 2021 (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
- Venue: Our Lady Queen Of Angels Catholic Church
- Location: 2046 Mar Vista Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 - (Get Directions)
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: November 11, 2021 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: Our Lady Queen Of Angels Catholic Church
- Location: 2046 Mar Vista Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 - (Get Directions)
47 responses to John Francis Gabriel
Dave Lamb says:
November 8, 2021
Dave Lamb says:
November 8, 2021
John will be truly missed. He was such a warm and friendly sole that welcomed us newcomers to SACC with open arms. When he asked if i wanted to play with the Maffia. i was not sure what i would be getting into and hesitated for several months. However, he made it a fun time, and although i never figured out how he kept the score. it all worked out eventually. and provided a good opportunity to meet other SACC members. Then he mentioned his annual golf trips around the world. I wish i had been able to attend them all , but the 2 i went at Kohler and Pinehurst were great events and organized to the TEE.
I have never met a person so nice, warm and friendly to everybody.
John you are surely missed. Rest in peace.
Florence Bell says:
November 8, 2021
JOHN AND I SPENT A LOT OF TIME CO-MEDIATING FOR THE HARBOR JUSTICE CENTER IN NEWPORT. I KNOW HOW MUCH HE LOVED HIS FAMILY. HE WAS ALWAYS KIND TO EVERYONE. HE WILL BE MISSED. MY SPECIAL PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
Kathy Shimizu says:
November 8, 2021
For me, John was one of those special people you encounter in life who really touch your heart. Over the last 10 years we had so many wonderful conversations about mediation, our families, our personal beliefs and values, and what is important in life. We did not always saw eye to eye but at the end of the day, mutual respect won over our individual stubbornness! I will especially treasure the time I got to spend with him over the last year as his time became so precious. He was a role model for how to live a life with purpose and I will miss our conversations greatly. I just hope I can live up to the expectations he had for furthering the mediation work we were doing together. I have a feeling he will be watching and pushing me still!
Lenora Forschner says:
November 8, 2021
Dear John,
As a fellow mediator, I mostly knew you through your passion for mediation, both in the Family Court program, and in your desire to help set up the mediation program for your parish. In addition to all of our talks about mediation and helping others navigate conflict, I appreciate the talks we had about life and family.
I will miss you, and lament that I hadn’t seen you as much recently due to the recent shutdowns and events.
You always had such a gentleness and class about you. You treated others with dignity and respect.You have left the world a better place.
I plan to raise a toast to you at the country club that you loved so much.