Michael Thomas Gabrik
July 1, 1932 — July 24, 2019
Michael Thomas Gabrik
On Wednesday, July 24, 2019, Michael (Mike) T. Gabrik, Jr., loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 87 with his devoted wife Cecilia by his side. Mike was born on July 1, 1932 in Elco, PA to Michael T. Gabrik, Sr. and Alline Gabrik. After graduation from high school, Mike served for 2 years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea and Japan. Upon returning to the U.S., he attended West Virginia University, from which he received a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. With his first wife, Patricia, he raised three sons, Mic, Jim and Jerry, and a daughter, Desiree.
Mike had an enterprising personality. He valued hard work and common sense. These attributes, as well as his strong ambition, propelled him to great success, both in business and in his personal life. Mike started his career with a small engineering firm, and later enjoyed a long and prosperous career, first with Bechtel Corp. and then Parsons Corp. His work was an adventure in itself. Mike accepted assignments in different locations across the United States. His work even took him to interesting places overseas, including Taipei, where Mike met and married Cecilia. He also lived and worked in London and Athens. He loved to travel and explore. While living and working in Greece, Mike scaled Mount Olympus.
Mike had a zest for life and lived it with gusto. From a young age, he liked sports, particularly football, which he played in high school. Growing up near Pittsburgh, Mike was a long-time Steelers fan. Later in life, he took up long distance running and ran a half marathon at the age of 74. Even after retiring at the age of 72, Mike continued to walk in the marina areas near his and Cecelia's home in Long Beach. He took an active interest in the area, serving on the board of the homeowner's association of his community. In the evenings, he liked to go to dance clubs and "boogie."
Mike was preceded in his death by his brother James, his father, and his mother. He is survived by his wife Cecilia, his four children, daughter-in-law, Deanne, stepdaughter, I-Ju, four grandchildren, Brianna, Julia, Andrew and Ryan, his sister, Janet, brother-in-law, Eddie, nephews, Darren and Michael, niece Carrie, and several cousins.
Mike passed peacefully but lived his life as a maverick.
A private memorial will be held.
Mike had an enterprising personality. He valued hard work and common sense. These attributes, as well as his strong ambition, propelled him to great success, both in business and in his personal life. Mike started his career with a small engineering firm, and later enjoyed a long and prosperous career, first with Bechtel Corp. and then Parsons Corp. His work was an adventure in itself. Mike accepted assignments in different locations across the United States. His work even took him to interesting places overseas, including Taipei, where Mike met and married Cecilia. He also lived and worked in London and Athens. He loved to travel and explore. While living and working in Greece, Mike scaled Mount Olympus.
Mike had a zest for life and lived it with gusto. From a young age, he liked sports, particularly football, which he played in high school. Growing up near Pittsburgh, Mike was a long-time Steelers fan. Later in life, he took up long distance running and ran a half marathon at the age of 74. Even after retiring at the age of 72, Mike continued to walk in the marina areas near his and Cecelia's home in Long Beach. He took an active interest in the area, serving on the board of the homeowner's association of his community. In the evenings, he liked to go to dance clubs and "boogie."
Mike was preceded in his death by his brother James, his father, and his mother. He is survived by his wife Cecilia, his four children, daughter-in-law, Deanne, stepdaughter, I-Ju, four grandchildren, Brianna, Julia, Andrew and Ryan, his sister, Janet, brother-in-law, Eddie, nephews, Darren and Michael, niece Carrie, and several cousins.
Mike passed peacefully but lived his life as a maverick.
A private memorial will be held.
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