At age 61, Francis Donald "Don" Gabrelcik, Jr, was called to heaven as he passed at home in Murphy, NC on Saturday, February 8, 2025 surrounded by his family.
He is predeceased by his mother, Marie Kalish Gabrelcik and his father, Franics Donald Gabrelcik, Sr.
Don worked in sales and was an account manager in different industries in life. In another life, he would have been a lawyer because of his uncanny ability to debate you and convince you with logic that his point of view was correct. His subtle humor was uncanny and he would throw out a joke that typically would take you a little time to understand. Laughing inside as he was waiting for you to get the joke.
He was a family man and loved spending time hiking with his wife Annette and kids seeing the wonders this beautiful world has to offer. If he was on a trail or hiking through the woods with his family he was at peace.
He was passionate about everything he did in life and always gave it 110%. He loved playing softball, flag football, golf and had a love for fishing. Being raised in Pleasant Hills, PA he was a devoted Pittsburgh Steeler and Penguins fan. His love of all sports was a legacy he passed along to his sons, Donnie and Nick. His biggest joy was teaching his sons golf, walking with them at practice rounds and tournaments and seeing them embark on their amateur and professional careers.
Don was a true "foody"! He was known to pack 10 pounds of Sugardale thick sliced bacon and half hams in cooler traveling back on the plane to Florida after Steelhead fishing trips in Erie, PA with his brother, Tim and good friend, Doug. When traveling with his family he enjoyed visiting small local diners in different cities to taste the local flavors. His passion for seafood was second only to his family and friends.
Don is survived by his wife of 33 years, Annette Gabrelcik; his sons, Donald and Nicholas Gabrelcik; his brother, Timothy Gabrelcik (Kelsey and Dean); his sisters, Lisa Gabrelcik and Lori Dobson.
No services are planned at this time.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
