Willis Peter Gabriel's Obituary
Willis Peter Gabriel, a native of Fort Fairfield, Maine and 88 year resident of San Bernardino, passed away Sunday April 14, 2013 at the age of 93. A graduate of San Bernardino Valley College, Willis interrupted his college education to enlist in the Navy after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He skipped boot camp and was immediately made an officer. He served throughout World War II and was last stationed in Manila when the Japanese surrendered. Willis owned many retail stores, ice plants, and real estate. He was a partner in seven Gabriel Bros. Clothing Stores. He was also a founder of Gabriel Brothers Department Store on 4th and E Street in San Bernardino. He served on many civic boards and organizations and retired in 1985.
Willis was predeceased by his loving spouse Jacklyn Saliba Gabriel in 2003. He is survived by two sons, Kent Willis Gabriel, M.D. (and Karen Mills) of Carson City, Nevada and Jay M. Gabriel (and Karen LaCaze) of Manhattan Beach. Willis has four grandchildren Grant, Ariana, Jacqueline and Jason Gabriel, many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank his caring and devoted friend and caregiver James Bell.
In lieu of flowers the family requests you honor Willis by contributing to a college scholarship fund for James Bell. If you would like to donate to the college fund in Willis’s honor, please send checks made out to Karen Gabriel and in the memo line please put Scholarship Fund. Checks can be sent to Karen Gabriel at 2601 Airport Drive, Suite 300, Torrance, CA 90505.
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