John W. Gabbert (Jack) passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Friday, October 18th, 2019 in Carmel, Indiana. He was born October 9th, 1936 and was preceded in death by his parents, Woodson and Kathryn Gabbert and sister, Joan Hawkins.
He is survived by his Son, Thomas Gabbert ( Lisa); grandchildren, Ryan (Kim), Sean, Grace, Emily, and Patrick (Danielle); Daughter, Kathryn (Phil); Sister, Linda Puffenburger (Paul); Niece Christy and two daughers, Nephew, Andrew Puffenburger (Beth) and five children; Brother-in-law, Earl Hawkins (Joan), Nieces Phyllis Devlin (Paul) and their son and daughter; Colleen Haecock (Jeff) and their son and daughter.
John is a graduate of Miami University and proudly served as a Captain in the US Army, Infantry. His career accomplishments include: President and CEO of First America Bank-LaPorte, Indiana; Director-Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Director-Indiana Bankers Association, Speaker/Lecturer at American Bankers Association, IBM Management School-Princeton University. He served the community as Director-LaPorte Economic Advancement Foundation, Director-United Way of Greater LaPorte, Inc., Flight Coordinator-Angel Flight Medical Transportation, Volunteer-St. Vincent Hospital, Carmel, IN.
John’s family and close friends gathered on 10/23/19 to celebrate and honor his life. Hobbies included spending time with his family, walking his dog, Erney, watching favorite sport teams (Notre Dame, New York Yankees, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Cubs), traveling to Ireland, Italy, Normandy-France, reading, watching movies, story-telling and laughing with friends. A man of gratitude, faith, courage, and integrity, John lived and loved his life to the fullest. John’s favorite quote:
“May the Road Rise to Meet You; May the Wind Always Be at Your Back; May the Sun Shine Warm Upon Your Face; the Rains Fall Soft Upon Your Fields and Until We Meet Again; May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand.”-Irish Blessing-