Born on July 23, 1925 to the late Mathias and Mary Gabel in Huron, South Dakota, Mathias passed away on February 17, 2018 in Oakland, CA.   He will be dearly missed.

Mathias is survived by his daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) Oilar; grandchildren, Justin Oilar and Alexandra (Allie) Oilar; companion, Remedios (Dee) Pickett; and siblings, Rosalie Sheggeby (age 102), Stanley Gabel, Mary Ann Albright, and Byron Gabel.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Bigoni) Gabel; and siblings, Margaret Bratch, Joseph Gabel, John Gabel, and James Gabel.

Mathias served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy on various destroyers, retiring as Chief Cook, E-7.  He also retired from the Chevron refinery as Head Operator after 21 years.  For over 30 years, he volunteered at St. Joseph’s Basilica in various ministries (St. Vincent de Paul, opening the church daily, collecting the candle money, leading the rosary, etc.).  He was also an active member of the Alameda Elks Lodge #1015, the SIR’s and the Mastic Senior Center Travel Group and Thrift Store volunteer.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral services in honor of Mathias at St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda.   The Visitation will be held on Friday, February 23rd at 5:00 p.m. and the Vigil Service and Rosary at 5:30 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 12:00 noon with a reception to follow at the Alameda Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mathias’ memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Basilica, Sanctuary Remodeling project, the American Cancer Society, St. Vincent de Paul or Catholic Charities

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