On behalf of his family and teammates: This is to notify the brotherhood of the passing of Pararescueman, Sergeant (E4) Robert F. (“Gabe”) Gabourel, on 30 May 2024, at 77 years of age.
“Gabe” was born in Belize, British Honduras, and entered the USAF in March 1965, to begin nearly 4 years of exemplary service. He volunteered for Pararescue during basic training, graduated in Pararescue Class 66-3, in late Feb 1966, also volunteering for combat duty in Vietnam. He served
at 2 assignments including:
- Udorn, Thailand, Apr 66 – Apr 67, where duties required continuous deployments to forward operating sites in Laos, and TDYs into Vietnam.
- Moron, Spain, from 1967 - until his separation in
January 1969 where he provided global rescue coverage and NASA mission recovery readiness.
Besides a Senior Parachutist, he was the recipient of 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Air Medals, and other awards and decorations.
After transitioning to civilian life, he:
- Worked as a commercial Diver
- Earned a bachelor's degree, from the University of New Orleans
- Worked at Kaiser Aluminum, where he survived an Industrial accident that resulted in long-term complications from a contaminated infusion.
- He spent his later professional life as a social worker for abused children
- He was also an avid rock-hound seeking fossils and stones to polish and craft into jewelry.
Gabe is survived by his daughter, Victoria, and his granddaughter, Julia,
A Celebration of Life is scheduled at Akash Winery, in Temecula, CA, from 5- 8 PM, on 17
Jul 2024.
or:
Victoria Varon
32488 Bergamo Court
Temecula, CA 92592
