April 27, 1933 - December 16, 2024
AUBURN - William "Bill" Gabak Sr., 91, of Auburn, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Auburn Memorial Hospital.
He was born on April 27, 1933, in Auburn, and graduated from West High School, where he excelled in football, track and field, and basketball. Bill went on to marry the love of his life, Jane Cook, and together they built a family, raising their two sons, Bill Jr. and Kevin. Bill and Jane shared nearly 50 years of marriage.
Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army as a border patrol officer stationed in Germany. After returning home, he worked for 25 years at ALCO before retiring in 1990.
A fiercely loving and loyal family man, Bill's quiet strength and unwavering devotion to his loved ones were the foundation of his life. In his later years, he became the steadfast caretaker for many in his family, offering selfless care and comfort to those in need during the final stages of their lives. Whether it was supporting his wife, Jane, or helping other family members through difficult times, Bill was always there, putting the needs of others before his own. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his absence will leave a void that is felt deeply by all who knew him.
Bill was known for his quiet demeanor and was a man of few words, but when he did speak, it was always thoughtful, often with a bit of understated humor that made his conversations all the more enjoyable. He could always be counted on for a friendly chat or a quiet word of wisdom.
He was passionate about sports; whether it was watching a game on TV, cheering at his sons' games, or later attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Bill's love for sports was undeniable, especially for his beloved Syracuse Orange, the New York Mets, and the "Zags."
Bill was predeceased by his wife, Jane Cook Gabak; his son, Kevin Gabak; his parents, George and Anna Gabak; and his eight siblings, Joe, John, George, Mike, Mary, Anna, Barbara, and Helen. He was also preceded in death by several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his son, Bill (Ruth) Gabak Jr. of Auburn; daughter-in-law, Maureen Gabak of Auburn; five grandchildren, Christine (Rob) Schoener of New Hartford, N.Y., Heather (David) DiPaolo of Manlius, N.Y., Matt (Maggie) Gabak of Boston, Ryan (Lexi) Gabak of Auburn, and Amanda (Matt) Noll of Rochester, N.Y.; six great-grandchildren, Madison and Hailey Schoener, Ben and Matt DiPaolo, and Gus and Gavin Gabak; as well as many nieces; nephews; and several great and great great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on December 30, 2024. Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a service at 12:15 p.m., with Deacon Michael Evans officiating at Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc 84 South Sr Auburn, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Bill's memory to:
V Foundation Jim Valvano Foundation for cancer research:
Sports 4 All Auburn, NY youth sports:
May Bill's memory live on as a blessing to all who were fortunate to have known and loved him.