Gabriel was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and he will be greatly missed.
He was born and raised in Providence, RI, the son of the late Gabriele DeTommaso and the late Marion DeTommaso. He was a graduate of Classical High School. Upon finishing his undergraduate education at the University of Rhode Island and marrying Marie DeTommaso, he moved on to the University of Illinois where he completed his Ph.D in organic chemistry. They moved for a brief period to Plainfield, NJ, and then anchored in Lansdale, PA, where they raised their family of four children Stephen, Denise, Donna, and Michael through grade school and college. In Pa, he worked as a director of polymer research chemistry for Rohm and Haas, engaging in new technologies with paints and coatings. Having a high value for education, Gabe was elected and served on the School Board for North Penn School District in greater Lansdale, PA area.. In addition, he could be found coaching his sons’ little league teams, and he devoted time to the community through the local Jaycees.
After raising his four children with Marie and her loss, he met Margaret Viti and found a new love, family and home with both families, children and grandchildren. Margaret and Gabe split their time between Hobe Sound, Florida and summer in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. Always enjoying his work, upon his retirement from Rohm and Haas, Gabe was employed for many years as a consultant for Eastman Kodak. Gabe and Margaret spent a lot of time traveling to and attending the many family events of their children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed traveling the world together, exploring new cultures and enjoying the cuisine. They especially enjoyed long cruises together.
As the family patriarch, his wisdom, love and support were often sought. He was greatly respected for his high emotional intelligence, empathy, love, support and advice. Big hugs and I love you’s were always a part of a meeting and greeting, along with long good bye’s.
Gabe enjoyed mornings spent reading the Wall Street Journal, and 5:00 pm on the back porch with a glass of wine, cheese and crackers, all surrounded by the love of his wife, family and good conversation.
Having a love for life, whenever there was a party or celebration, he was the first one on the dance floor and the last one off. From his father, he acquired a love and joy for music and singing. He was an active member and devoted parishioner of St. Christopher Catholic Church in Hobe Sound.
Besides his wife Margaret, he is survived by his two sons, Stephen DeTommaso and his wife Norma; Michael DeTommaso and his wife Kelly; two daughters Denise DeTommaso and Donna Kleinert DeTommaso; stepdaughter Karen DeBoben and her husband David; and stepson Robert Viti. His Grandchildren, Gabriel Kleinert, Alexandria Vetter, Nicholas Vetter, Christian DeBoben, Leah DeTommaso, Michael DeTommaso, Allie DeBoben, Derek DeTommaso, and Tiara DeTommaso. Also two great-grandsons, Luca Hosler and Julius Kleinert.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Alzheimer’s Association of SE Florida https://www.alz.org/seflorida or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ .
Visitation at Aycock Funeral Home Sept. 24 at 10:00 am followed by a 11:00 am mass of Christian Burial at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Hobe Sound.
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