BRISTOLVILLE - William R. "Bill" Gabrielson Sr., 70, passed away Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital of a rare form of CLL cancer, with his loving family by his side.
Bill was born Aug. 23, 1942, in Warren, the son of Joseph and Edith Flint Gabrielson.
He was a 1960 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School.
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William R. Gabrielson Sr.
Bill worked 38 years as an electrician for GM Lordstown, retiring in 2008.
He was a member of UAW Local 1112, IBEW Union 573 and Twin State Auto Racing Club.
From 1971 to 1987, Bill raced cars at various tracks around the region, and the tradition has continued with his son, Joe, starting in 2005. One of his proudest moments was standing with his son in victory lane.
He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing at Lake Erie with his brother, Paul. Bill loved his family and enjoyed spending time with all his grandchildren, especially Madison and Brooklyn.
He was a proud U.S. Marine Veteran who received the Good Conduct Medal and Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification Badge.
He is survived by his loving wife, the former Deborah "Debbie" Martina; his sons, William "Bill" (Kristen) Gabrielson of Lancaster and their children, Madison and Brooklyn, and Joseph "Joe" Gabrielson of Bristolville; a daughter, Edi (John) Fairchild of Indiana and their children, Amanda and JT, and with a great-grandchild on the way; two brothers, Clay Shaffer of Warren and Paul (Angie) Gabrielson of Bristolville; sister, Karen Pratt of Indiana; and his longtime friends, especially his pit crew.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Larry Gabrielson.
There will be a funeral service held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel in Warren. Family and friends may call from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday and from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, all at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at Sager Cemetery in Bristolville with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made in William's name to the Animal Welfare League, 545 Brunstetter Road S.W., Warren, OH 44481, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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