Richard R. Gaebel
CARTHAGE — Richard R. Gaebel, 82 of Carthage and Deland, FL, died Monday morning, February 8, 2010, in the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility where he resided for one month.
Mr. Gaebel was born in Carthage on April 13, 1927, the son of the late Harold E. and Kathryn Harvey Gaebel. He attended Augustinian Academy, Carthage, leaving to serve with the Army in 1944, seeing overseas duty in Germany. He was discharged in 1946 and worked as a taxi driver and was on the Carthage Police force. In the early 1950's he went to work at Pine Camp for CSMS, Shop D. retiring as maintenance foreman in 1987. He was a member of the New York Army National Guard, retiring from the 127th Ordinance group in 1987 as a chief warrant officer 4 with 39 years of service. He married Ruth E. Thesier on May 7, 1955 at St. James Church, Carthage with the Rev. Lawrence J. Gerrity officiating.
Mr. Gaebel was a life member and past commander of American Legion Post # 789, Carthage, 50 year member of the VFW Post of Gouverneur, life member of BPOE Lodge # 1762, Carthage and Knights of Columbus Council # 291, Carthage.
Active in volunteer fire service for over 60 years, he is a past chief of the Carthage Fire Dept. and Nighthawk's Drill Team, past president of Jeff. Co. Vol.. Firemen's Assoc., Jeff. Co. Fire Chief's Assoc., past president of NNYVFA and NNY Drill Team Captain's Assoc., Fire Chief's Assoc. State of NY and past president of the NYS Drill Team Captain's Assoc., and FASNY life member where he served as chairman of both the legislative and resolutions committees and 10 year trustee of the Firemen's Home, Hudson.
He is survived by his wife Ruth E. of Carthage, three daughters: Patricia A. LeMieux of Carthage, Loretta D. Peters and Michelle M. Walsemann of Lowville, two sons: Thomas R. Gaebel of Los Angeles, CA and Timothy R. Gaebel of Carthage, 8 Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Three brothers, Sterling, Donald and Frank Gaebel died previously.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church with the Rev. George F. Maroun, Pastor officiating. Spring burial with military honors will be in the St. James Cemetery. Calling hours at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home will be Thursday from 4-7 PM. Memorial services will be held Thursday at 5:45 PM by the Carthage Fire Dept., 6:00 PM by the American Legion and 6:30 PM by the BPOE # 1762.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Carthage Fire Dept., 685 S. James St. Carthage, NY 13619.
