Robert E. Gabel, age 93, of Gowanda passed away at home Sunday evening, October 11, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born in Dayton on May 30, 1933, the son of Lawrence and Mary (Butcher) Gabel.
A U.S. Army Veteran, Bob served our country during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged of his duties in 1955, he married the former Elaine M. Smrke; they were married on May 21st. Elaine passed away in 1985.
Bob held various jobs in the area, which included the former OATKA Milk Plant in Collins. He was also a millwright for MRC Bearing Manufacturing in Falconer. After retirement, Bob was a delivery driver for the former Steve Baldo Car Dealership in Collins. Even though Bob's health declined over the past years, he still maintained his yard and projects around the house.
Bob was a past member of the Slovenian Club of Gowanda.
Robert married Bonnie M. Ebert at the former St. Francis Cabrini RC Church in Collins Center; they joined their families on December 3, 1988.
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Bonnie M. (Ebert) Gabel; daughters, Sharon (James) Fischette of Strykersville, Linda (David) Sahr of Farmington and Katie (Duane) Banks of Meadville, PA; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ronald), Aimee (Steven), James Jr. (Elizabeth), Jacqueline (Ricky), Joshua (Tara), Alisa, Sydney, Emily, Anthony, Eliana, Leah, Tyler and Quentin; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Lewis (Jean) Gabel of Gowanda and Betty (Richard) Agle of Collins; nieces and nephews; and the family cat, Charlie, who runs the house and would be remiss to not mention. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary; his first wife and mother of his daughters, Elaine; along with son and daughter in-law, Aaron and Rhonda Klimek.
Friends may call on Thursday, October 15 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Schindler Funeral Home, 44 Center Street in Gowanda, where funeral services will be held on Friday, October 16 at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow with full military honors at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Gowanda.
If desired, memorials may be made to a local charity of one's choice.
