William E. Gabriel 1935-2022

Bill was born and raised in Leetonia, and was a 1956 graduate of Leetonia High School. He was the statistician for Leetonia football for a period of 28 years and was inducted into the Leetonia High School Hall of Fame.

Gabe worked as a Mahoning County and 911 dispatcher for 20 years and retired in 2001.

Bill loved fishing, photography and sports. He often volunteered with handicap clubs and booster clubs. He enjoyed and was proud to attend his families’ sporting events, band and choir concerts, and dance recitals. He was an avid Browns, Indians and Buckeyes fan. He shared his love and loyalty to sports with everyone he met. One of his favorite memories was getting to watch three Indians games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Bill moved to California in October 2008, after the passing of his beloved wife, Beverly, whom he married on Sept. 23, 1972.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary K. (Steve) Porter and Jackie (Jason) Fraser. He leaves behind six granddaughters, Emily (David) Huffman, Ashley Porter, Sophia, Maerinn, Beverly and Kaylee Fraser; and one grandson, Steven Porter; a brother, Jerry (Anna Marie) Gabriel; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Despite being born with cerebral palsy, he never backed down in the face of adversity. He always encouraged others never to give up and would always say, “If I can do it, so can you!”

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, 2022, at Wick Park in Leetonia, Ohio (adjacent to the Leetonia Library). To honor him, wear your favorite sports team and share your favorite memories of this amazing man.

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