Obituary of George S. Gabello

George Stephen Gabello, 70, of Johnson City, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 5th, 2018. George was born a leap year baby on February 29, 1948, the oldest of six children. He was schooled by the best ruler-holding nuns in the business at St. Mary's elementary school and Seton Catholic Central, graduating in 1966. In high school, he played football and his coached remarked "He's as strong as a bull, and I wouldn't want to get in his way." He worked for the New York State Department of Transportation for over 35 years, retiring as a regional supervisor on his 55th birthday. He was an insatiable reader, who had an annotated copy of Walden by Thoreau that he would read every year. Some of his other favorites to read were Thomas Merton, Tom Clancy, and the Bible. He had a passion for history, especially the Civil War, exploring battlefields whenever he was able. He was teammate you always wanted on your trivial pursuit team. He would captivate rooms with his smile and the kids would love to see Uncle Georgie because of his world-class story telling abilities. He was devout to Our Lady and loved to pray the rosary. George was predeceased by his father, George W. Gabello. He married the love of his life, Kathleen L. Golden, on May 22nd, 1971. He was survived by three extraordinary children, Jennifer (Gabello) Bolt, Dominic Gabello, and James and Dani (Stein) Gabello, four grandchildren, Aaron and Olivia Bolt, Justin and Taylor Bolt, Jacob Bolt, and Addison Bolt, and was expecting his first great-grandchild later this year. He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy (DiRienzo) Sherman, two brothers, three sisters, an aunt, cousins, several sisters & brothers-in-law, and countless nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be offered at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 801 Main Street, Vestal, Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at Our Lady of Sorrows Church from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in George's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.