ROTTERDAM Longtime police officer remembered Sam Gabriele recalled as ‘great diplomat’ BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter Sam Gabriele always seemed to connect with the residents he was policing. One way or another, the Rotterdam police lieutenant had a knack for bringing potentially volatile situations under control with his ability to relate to people. Gabriele used this ability when he took charge of an armed standoff situation in town during the early 1970s. “Sam took off his gun belt and dropped it on the ground like John Wayne,” recalled retired Chief Paul Mantica, who was then a young officer. “He told the guy, ‘I want to come in and I want to talk to you.’ ” Several Gabriele moments later, Gabriele walked out of the house with the man, no shots fired and no one injured. Mantica said the scene showed the calm and neighborly approach the veteran cop brought to his 32 years on the force. “That’s the kind of person Sam was,” he said. “Sam figured he could handle that situation and he did — he handled it well.” Gabriele, a lifetime resident of Schenectady County and a war veteran, died Sunday after a long illness. He was 77. Born in Schenectady, Gabriele was a standout athlete at Nott Terrace High School, where he played baseball and football. He served four years in the Navy and earned the rank of quartermaster during the Korean War. Longtime Rotterdam Chief Joe Dominelli said Gabriele was among the top three candidates for a spot on the Rotterdam force in 1960. But when he interviewed Gabriele — a calm and intelligent man with a football lineman’s frame — Dominelli knew he had the right guy. “Sam was the kind of person a chief looks for,” he said. “Immediately, I said ‘I know who I want, I want him.’ ” Gabriele rose through the ranks quickly, gaining respect within the department and throughout the community. His gregarious nature seemed to make him a popular peacemaker among residents, who frequently requested him by name when seeking help. “I got more calls for Sam than I got for anyone,” reflected Dominelli. “You could send him on domestic complaints, he’d calm them both down and then sit down to have a cup of coffee with them.” Gabriele was also a quick learner, said Geoge “Bud” White, a sergeant who trained him as a patrolman. White said Gabriele’s gift for conciliation was backed up by muscle. “He was a great diplomat,” he said. “But if you riled him, he could get the job done.” Gabriele was the type of cop that understood the humane side of police work, said Mike Kirvin, a 29-year veteran of the force and son of late Supervisor John Kirvin. For years, he said Gabriele served as a mentor to the younger guys joining the force. “He laid the groundwork for us,” said Kirvin, who joined the department when Gabriele was a sergeant. “He was very disciplined and he said ‘This is what we can and can’t do.’ He was just a good and decent man.” Gabriele was also active politically, once serving as an elections commissioner. After his retirement in 1992, he contemplated running for office, and was mentioned for a run for Town Board as recently as last year. “He was just an all-around nice guy,” Mantica said. “I don’t think there was anyone he couldn’t get along with or who couldn’t get along with him.” Gabrielle’s wife, Tina, died before him; their daughter, Jennifer Kaplan, of Rotterdam, survives. He is also survived by five grandchildren.
Rotterdam — Lt. Samuel P. Gabriele, 77, of Myrtle Ave., died on Sunday, March 30, 2008, at the Albany Medical Center after a long illness. Lt. Gabriele w a s b o r n o n September 6, 1930 in Schenectady, the son of the late John Gabriele and Sarah Petraco Gabriele. He was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School and served in the U.S. Navy for four years as a quartermaster 3rd grade during the Korean conflict. Lt. Gabriele worked for the Rotterdam Police Dept. for 32 years as a police officer, detective and lieutenant. He retired in 1992. He was a member of the Cobleskill Country Club, former member of Rotterdam Democratic Club and Rotterdam Elks 2157. Sam was a high school athlete at Nott Terrace, where he played football and baseball. He was an avid golfer and was credited with a hole in one. Sam was proud of his naval service having served on the U.S.S. Randall. While on active duty, he was a member of the admiral’s staff. He was a great dad, wonderful grandfather, great caregiver and loving master to his faithful pet, Casey. Sam married Tina Marie Milano Gabriele on October 18, 1969. She died in 1994 after 25 years of marriage. He is survived by his loving daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Kaplan of Rotterdam. Sam was the devoted grandfather of Sydnee, Alexa, Joshua, Lauren and Jolie. He is also survived by his loving companion, Gayle Westerlund of Scotia; his brother, Rocco (Joan) Gabriele of Rotterdam; his sister–in–law, Gwen Gabriele of Guilderland, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Sam was predeceased by his brothers, Peter “Cheech” Gabriele and John “Babe” Gabriele. Calling hours will be Thursday, April 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the DeMarco–Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. The funeral home will be open after 9 a.m. on Friday, April 4, for those who wish to call or attend the funeral service, which will begin at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor John Mulligan of Open Arms Fellowship Church will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Cyril’s Cemetery. Contributions may be made to March of Dimes; Open Arms Fellowship Church, 2810 Curry Rd., Schenectady, NY 12303 or the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302. Arrangements are by the R.J. DeLuccia Funeral Home. 1605 Helderberg Ave. Schenectady • 355-5770
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