Albert Patrick Gabriele, 79 of Manahawkin, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 17th. Albert was born in Teaneck, NJ to his late parents Pasquale and Marie Gabriele. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Donna Gabriele, his 2 sons Daniel and Patrick Gabriele, grandson Gianni Michael Gabriele, sister Michele Gabriele Grimstad and her companion Eric Young, and her 3 sons, Carl, Barry, and Gabriele.
Albert grew up in Haworth, NJ and attended Northern Valley High School.
He honorably served in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne Division and was deployed overseas during the TET offensive. Albert received numerous medals while enlisted including multiple Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He was a member of VFW Post 3729 on Long Beach Island and American Legion China Post #1, in Shanghai, China. In his civilian life, Albert piloted one of the first commercials freight airplanes into Desert Storm, supplying our deployed troops with mail.
Albert and Donna were married in 1981 on the historic Binghamton ferry boat, moored in Edgewater, where they resided in Palisades Park. In 1987 they moved to Barnegat, where they lived for 30 years, recently having moved to Manahawkin.
Albert was a passionate aviation enthusiast, having an extensive career as both a commercial and private pilot, operating planes ranging from his personal Piper PA-12, to Boeing 747 commercial jets all over the world. In addition, he was a certified aircraft inspector, an airframe and powerplant mechanic, and a member of the EAA. He also volunteered yearly at airshows in Oshkosh, WI and the Sun n Fun show in Lakeland, Florida. Albert owned a seaplane ferry service based out of Little Ferry, NJ and a Matco Tools Franchise.
His hobbies included his love for model trains and railroading, and he looked most forward to setting a train up every year around the Christmas tree for his children to enjoy with him.
Albert was a devout Catholic, a dedicated husband, and a loving father, who loved his family more than anything in the world. No one knew how great of a man he was, except for the people who loved him, Al was one of a kind.
Viewing private. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM on Monday, January 25, 2021 at St. Mary's Church, 747 West Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ. Interment will follow in Bg. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. Barnegat Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. (www.BarnegatFH.com)
In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimers Association greatly appreciated.
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