Obituary of Albert Gabella

Albert Gabella, retired owner/manager of the former Lakeville Inn, Goshen, NY died peacefully at his home in Middletown on Friday, July 10, 2009. He was 65 when he lost his battle with colon cancer. Albert, an only child, was born to Albert and Rose (Ruffini) Gabella in Manhattan on October 3, 1943. At the age of nine, he moved to Goshen after his parents bought Lakeville. During high school, Albert played football and tennis, and worked in the family business. After completing his college degree in Business Administration and serving in the Air Force during the Pueblo Crises, he returned home to assist his mother Rose to run the restaurant. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church and former member of Goshen Kiwanis. After his marriage to his wife Carol in 1980, she, Albert and mother Rose worked side by side. A fourth member of the family team, a daughter Lauren Rose was born in 1982. Albert was an avid sports fan. His love of playing tennis was passed down to his daughter. He was a coach for the Goshen girls little league team for many years. He was a constant presence at Laura's softball and tennis matches. One of his greatest joys was tailgaiting and attending the NY Giants games with his daughter and a few of his friends. He routed for the NY Yankees and NY Rangers. Many will remember Albert for staying open late so he could join the patrons in playing Trivia Pursuit, Password or Bar Dice. During the summer months, Lakeville's huge front porch served as a gathering place for family and friends. Upon closing in June 2008, a void was felt by the regular patrons; some banded together and formed "The Lakeville Friday Night Club" which meet at each other homes on a regular basis. Special thanks and gratitude go to Drs. Dhiren Patel and Robert Dinsmore, the Crystal Run IV Infusion Team, the ORMC Endoscopy staff family, and the many friends that Albert has been blessed with over the years. He is survived by his wife Carol Gabella at home; daughter Laura R. Gabella at home and cousins Arthur Feroldi and John Ruffini and their spouses and family. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. The funeral will be Monday at 1:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave, Goshen, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Goshen, NY. In lieu of flowers, one may choose to donate to either Braeside Camp, P.O. Box 685, Goshen, NY 10924, Goshen Ecumenical Food Pantry, 33 Park Place, Goshen, NY or Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home Inc., Goshen, NY. For directions or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit donovanfunerals.com