John P. Gabriel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father John P. Gabriel on October 10, 2023. He was preceded by his loving wife, Kathleen (nee Saunders) of 51 years as well as his parents, Gertrude (nee Mueller) and John Gabriel. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Jennifer (Kevin) Weiler, Lisa Dean, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Sawyer, John (Lauren) Gabriel, and Christopher (Stephanie) Gabriel. John was a loving and doting grandpa to his 17 grandchildren, Thomas, Matthew, Daniel, and Greta Weiler; Gabriel (Haley), August, Margaret, Simon, Gracelyn, and Owen Dean; Brion, Olivia, Caroline and William Sawyer; and Amelia, Audrey, and Ava Gabriel. He is survived by his dear siblings, the late Edward (Tim Jackson), Robert (Diane) Gabriel, Paul (late Gerry) Gabriel, Helen Gabriel, Sharon (Scott) McIlwaine, cherished in-laws Dolores (Dominick) Misasi, George (Joan) Saunders, and Beverly Kotnour, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 
John was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and spent most of his childhood in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood. The oldest of six children, John’s life centered on family, and his working parents instilled a strong work ethic and sense of community. John graduated from Brother Rice High School in 1965 and attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne prior to returning to Chicago. John and Kathleen married in 1968 and then deployed to Bangkok, Thailand, where he served in the United States Army for three years as a communications specialist. After returning home with their first daughter, John and Kathy settled in Mount Greenwood and the Saint Christina Parish. While in Mount Greenwood, the family grew to five children and John actively served in the Lions Club and the Holy Name Society. Concurrently, John earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry; he established his optometric practice in Brighton Park where he served beloved patients for nearly 40 years. In 1983, the family moved to Palos Hills, Illinois and Saint Patricia Parish. John rejoined the Army in the reserves as a Commissioned Officer Optometric Doctor and served the Fort Sheridan Garrison for a decade. All five children attended Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park establishing a strong family connection to the La Grange area. In retirement, John relocated to La Grange and made a new and wonderful group of friends. He enjoyed photography, travel, history, reading, classical music, working in his beautiful yard, planting trees, changing light bulbs, and sending care packages…he did not enjoy camping. John set a powerful example of responsibility for those who knew him, and he will forever be in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VOSH/ International to give the gift of vision to those in need, vosh.org. To donate by mail, please send donations to VOSH/International, 12660 Q Street, Omaha NE 68137.