Santo Gabriele passed away peacefully at the age of 85, with his loved ones by his side.
He was born in Calabria, Italy and brought his family to Hollister, CA in 1956. He spend his youth, plowing the land behind two ox and came to America not knowing the language to provide a better life for him and his family. He worked at various orchards around the county and retired from Tri Valley Growers. He enjoyed country drives and Sunday dinners with his children and grandchildren.
Being outdoors was truly his passion, and he spent his retirement tending to his garden and taking long walks for miles.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Filippina Gabriele, brother, Michael Gabriele and sister, Santina Garofalo of Italy. His six children, Peter Gabriele (Rosemarie Gabriele), Carmen Gabriele (Rene Gabriele), Tony Gabriele, Mary Farotto (David Farotto), Susie Owens (Nick Owens) and Frank Gabriele, and his grandchildren, Stefani Gabriele, Geovani Gabriele, Carmen Gabriele Jr., Cheri Buzzetta, Christian Gabriele, Tony Gabriele Jr., Diana Gabriele, Felicia Farotto-Ulibarri, Lisa Farotto, Lindsay Owens, Megan Owens and is also survived by 10 great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Eleven siblings predeceased him.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 22, 2011, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito St. in Hollister. The funeral procession will be leaving the funeral home on Monday morning, May 23, 2011, at 9:30 A.M. for a memorial mass to be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church, 5th and College St. in Hollister. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Proceeding the burial, there will be a small reception held at Peter and Rosemarie Gabriele’s house.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Santo Gabriele’s honor to Sacred Heart Church, 5th and College St. in Hollister.
