Joseph A. Gabrielli, 85, of Town of Lewiston, NY passed away Friday September 5, 2014 surrounded by his loving family in Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Anthony and Palmira (Pietrocarlo) Gabrielli.

"Joe Gabe" as he was known, attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School where he played football from 1943 until 1947. Following high school he became a semi-pro football player from 1948 until 1950 at Hyde Park Stadium. Joe served in the United States Army during the Korean War from January 9, 1951 until his honorable discharge on October 3, 1956. On May 30, 1953 he married "the love of his life", Theresa "Babe" (Rossi) Gabrielli in Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. Gabrielli predeceased him on April 19, 2008. Joe also played hardball and softball and was the assistant coach in the Niagara Wheatfield Tyro Football League for a number of years, where he enjoyed teaching youth the game. After his football and baseball career, he became an avid bowler in Niagara Falls for over 30 years. He served as president of various bowling leagues and was a lifetime member and former president of the Niagara Falls Bowling Association. Joe was also an avid New York Yankees fan. He was a letter carrier for over 37 years with the United States Post Office in Niagara Falls, NY.

Mr. Gabrielli is survived by two children; Joelle (Nicholas) Buccarelli of the Town of Cambria, NY and Steven Gabrielli of Town of Lewiston, NY; his beloved grandson, Nicholas Joseph Buccarelli, Jr.; a sister, Susie (Natalino "Chris") Ignagni of Las Vegas, NV, a brother Anthony Gabrielli, Jr. of Russell, OH, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Mario (late Raffaela "Rachael") Gabrielli.

Visitation will be Tuesday 4 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Wednesday September 10th at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at St. Leo Church, 2748 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment with military honors in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY or HART Interfaith, Inc. (Home Assistance Referral Team) c/o hartinterfaith@verizon.net.