Gerard A. Gabriel, age 84, of Chicago. Beloved husband of the late Phyllis (Gedye) Gabriel; loving and supportive father of Adriana "Addie" Gabriel (Paul Mensheha); cherished Papa of Vivian and Mirabel. Gerard was born to the late Joseph Omer and Alice (Meunier) Gabriel in Nashua, New Hampshire on July 29, 1937. Gerard's stepmother, Rosanna, also helped raise him after his mother passed away in 1944, when Gerard was just seven years old. The youngest of seven, Gerard was the loving sibling of Omer, Isabelle, Bucky, Robert, Alice and Connie. Gerard was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1955. He earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Music from Sherwood Music School in Chicago, where he also met and fell in love with his wife, Phyllis. Gerard and Phyllis were married on November 6, 1964, at City Hall in Chicago and shared almost 45 wonderful years together before her passing on June 24, 2009. The couple's only child, Addie, was born in December 1977. Gerard was multi-talented and also studied interior design at the Harrington Institute of Design in Chicago. However, he earned a living most of his life by working for the State of Illinois Department of Mental Health. He began his work there in 1966 doing Music Therapy before opening a central activities program on the grounds, conducting group therapy sessions as an Activity Therapist to help prepare patients for living life outside of the hospital. After working for the State for over 40 years, in retirement Gerard thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his granddaughters. Visitation and funeral services are pending. Entombment Mount Olive Cemetery, 3800 N Narragansett Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Illinois Masonic Medical Center (Cardiac Services) via the Advocate Charitable Foundation. (secure. aahgiving. org) Info: donnellanfuneral. com or 847-675-1990.