Mark Philip Gabriel

January 9, 1953 – December 7, 2024

Mark Philip Gabriel, age 71, passed away at home in Santa Rosa on December 7, 2024 after a courageous 5-year battle with kidney cancer.

Mark was born on January 9, 1953 in Melbourne, Florida to Glen and Ordie Gabriel. The family moved several times throughout his childhood, finally settling in Sonoma County.

Mark graduated from Montgomery High School in 1971, excelling in math, chemistry and physics. While attending Sonoma State University, Mark began working in the restaurant industry, which eventually led him to become a chef in Napa.

Deciding to pursue his true passion, Mark completely changed the direction of his professional career by becoming an aircraft mechanic in 1989. He worked for United Airlines for over 30 years before retiring in 2020. During that time, he was instrumental in bringing the Teamsters in to represent the employees’ interests and worked for them as the Grievance Committee Secretary.

One of Mark’s best choices in life was to finally respond to his mother’s persistent invitations to meet and marry his future wife. Kandi, her daughters, and grandchildren completely changed the trajectory of his personal life in ways he could have never anticipated.

Some of Mark’s special interests included computers, video games, music, reading, gardening, camping and traveling.

Mark is survived by Kandi, his loving wife of 25 years, and daughters Carissa (Jarrod) of Santa Rosa and Carla (Charles) of West Sacramento. He was very proud of his five amazing grand-children Aubrie, Connor, Kiera, Caylee and Greyson.

Mark also leaves behind his brother Michael (Teresa) of Costa Mesa and Diane (David) of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

A private celebration of life is

planned for January 2025.