NEWCASTLE — On February 24, 2024, Gerald (Jerry) Gabriele, 94, of Newcastle, Maine entered into The Everlasting Arms of his Lord and Savior with his loving wife of 70 years and his six children at his side.

He was born Gerald Alphonso Gabriele, on May, 8, 1929, to Geraldo (an Italian immigrant) and Palma Marie (Sesso) Gabriele in Newark, New Jersey. Jerry grew up in Newark and North Caldwell, New Jersey.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Boxer, then went on to graduate from Nyack (New York) College. There he met Marylou Russell, whom he married in 1953. He was also a graduate of Wheaton College (Illinois) and Wheaton Graduate School.

Jerry served as a pastor for over 40 years in Wheaton and Chester, New Jersey. He began his ministry in Chester as the founding pastor of Grace Bible Chapel. The church began on a farm and a monastery which allowed them to include the church, nursery school, gymnasium and community center, ministering to the homeless, victims of addiction and to all who needed loving help–from inner-city kids to the suburbs. Jerry had the conviction that “To whom much has been given, much will be asked.” And the compassion of Jesus’ words “When you do it unto the least of them, you do it unto Me.”  “Found Faithful!”

In retirement the Gabriele’s moved to Camden, Maine which Jerry often referred to as “Heaven.” He continued his ministry as a board member of Child Evangelism Fellowship for several years. As an extra blessing he served as a pastor in his ancestor’s home in Italy. For many years, Jerry could be found at the family business, Marriner’s Restaurant, where the “Maitre’d” was loved by locals and tourists alike!

The last few months of his life he received exceptional, personal and professional, compassionate care at Cove’s Edge, Damariscotta, for which his family is eternally grateful.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Marylou; children Michael and Doris (Hoffman) Gabriele, Daniel and Rebecca (Starr) Gabriele, Stephen and Lori (Hickey) Gabriele, Donna (Gabriele) and Ronald Aldrich, Carol (Gabriele) and Peter Birch, and Jonathan and Glenna (Ludwig) Gabriele. Also surviving are eighteen grandchildren plus their nine spouses and twelve great-grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 4, at 2 p.m., at Dan and Becki’s farm, 953 S. Union Rd. (131 S.), in Union, ME.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please do a special act of kindness to someone today.