Gabriel 'Gabe' Andrea
Born In: Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: August 6th, 1928
Passed on: January 26th, 2011
Gabriel 'Gabe' Andrea, 82, longtime resident of the Northside passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Born Aug. 6, 1928, he was the son of the late Jeannette Marie (Gauthier) Andrea and Michael J. Andrea of Bras d'Or.
After high school, Gabe spent his early years working as a wheelsman sailing on the Great Lakes. In 1958, he joined the Cape Breton Post, first in newspaper circulation and later in the advertising department. He worked out of the Northside office for many years, until retirement in 1993.
Gabe valued the many friends he met through his work and his involvement in the Kinsmen Club of North Sydney, Northside Minor Hockey, the Cape Breton Exhibition's parade, and other community events. Over the years, Gabe spent much of his time tending to ice rinks and lawnmowing. He enjoyed spending time with his pets; playing, coaching and watching local hockey; fishing with brothers, sons and grandchildren and relating stories of boating adventures. Above all he cherished time spent with his grandchildren, who never failed to put a smile on his face.
Gabe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martina (Bates); and his seven children, Gerard (Mary Lou), Sydney Mines, Kevin (Joanie), Edmonton, Larry (Wendy), Boularderie, Stephen, Boisdale, Anita (Liam MacNeil), Sydney Mines, Brian (Wanda), Sydney Mines, and Martin (Michelle), Sydney Mines. He will be greatly missed by his 12 grandchildren, Caitlin, Bailey, Sean, Meghan, Andrea, Kale, Genevieve, Peter, Breagh, Mary Kate, Matthew and Luke. He is also survived by 13 brothers and sisters, John, Olga Bushell, Rita, Joe (Nellie), Dave (Barb), Elias (Agnes), Francis, Leonard, Lauretta (Herm Smith), Bernie, Tony (Barb), Fr. Jake and Eugene (Ann).
Gabe was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Theresa (Denny Hounslow).
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30 at Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Jake Andrea officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the Northside General or Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundations or to the charity of choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca.
