John A. Gabriel, age 67, a resident of Cheshire since 1994, entered eternal rest on July 29, 2026, at Civita Care Center at Cheshire. He was the beloved life partner of Robert A. Young of Cheshire.
John was born in Derby on January 28, 1959, son of the late John E. Gabriel and Vincenza (Celello) Gabriel. He grew up in Ansonia and graduated from Ansonia High School in 1976, later earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Southern Connecticut State University. A kind, caring, and self-less person, he began his career in social work at Friendship Gate in Hamden, historically known as one of the area’s first residential group homes established to support and care for mentally challenged adults.
He later continued his life’s work at Aspire Institute of Professional Practice in Meriden continuing to provide care, support, and education to neurodiverse children and adults. Family and friends were most important to John. He loved get-togethers and holidays where he was always the life of the party. He enjoyed trying his luck at Mohegan Sun Casino and annual vacations at Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine. John was a prolific reader and film enthusiast who deeply relished the music of Diana Ross. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox.
In addition to Robert, he leaves to cherish his memory, sisters, Michaelina Wasilewski of Derby, Carmella Correia (James Sr.) of Seymour, and Judyann Barton (Jeffrey) of Wallingford, nieces and nephews, Melanie Wasilewski, Michael Wasilewski, James Correia Jr. (Gina Eosco), Meaghan Correia, Jennifer Scanlon (Daniel), and Matthew Barton, great-nieces, Olivia, Makenna, Claire and Nora and great-nephew, Caleb along many dear extended family and friends.
All are invited to attend his funeral on Wednesday August 12, 2026, by meeting directly at 11:00 am at Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Drive in Ansonia for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia has been privileged with the arrangements. To sign John’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.