Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Kassab, Gabriel Michael, age 96, of Whitehall Borough, PA. and formerly of Houtzdale, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Born March 22, 1927 in Houtzdale, he was the son of George and Julia (Abod) Kassab.
He was a graduate of Woodward High School where he lettered in football and baseball. Gabriel served with the U.S. Army in the Headquarters Company 1st Engineer Combat Battalion. He earned four medals including the World War II Victory Medal.
Gabriel received his bachelor’s degree from Tri State University in mechanical engineering. He was an outstanding businessman beginning with his first adventure of owning a broom shop with his brother and brother-in-law to retiring from Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory and then founding his own company, Kasgro. He held numerous patents for light rail specialty cars.
He was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Whitehall where he ushered into his 90’s. He was a descendant of Saint Nimatullah Kassab, a Catholic Saint. He and his extended family traveled to Rome for the canonization. He was also a Grand Knight with Knights of Columbus.
Gabriel loved traveling. Wonderful memories were made with special friends in Aruba and gathering his family in Captiva Island, FL. Gabriel was also a Pittsburgh Pirates fan and attended Pirate Fantasy Camp four times with his sons where he won the Golden Glove and Longevity awards.
Beloved husband of Gertrude Stevens Kassab, who proceeded him in death in 2021 after 69 years of marriage. He was an outstanding father to his children, Colleen A., Laurie G. (Robert) Conrad, Douglas G. (Kelly) and Gregory M. (Beth); proud pop pop of Sara Kassab Fiorill, Elizabeth (Justin) Hejny, Bryan and Matthew; loving great-grandfather of Grady and Gabrielle. He is also survived by one brother, Raymond Kassab and his wife, Anna Marie and daughter Gina, who visited Gabriel faithfully and provided love and support to the family. Regular letters from his niece in Michigan, Linda, also provided comfort and brightened many of his days.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jacob (Helen) Kassab, David and George (Sarah) Kassab; and, six sisters, Hazel Kassab, Ceil (Bert) Remesilnick, Kay (Richard) Hocking, Minnie (Harold) Grove, Theresa (Martin) Brennan and Betty (Bill) Chew and a number of nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Gabriel Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the St. Casimir Cemetery, Whitehall.
If desired, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, 2835 E Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
Graveside military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Honor Guard.
The family would like to say a special thank you for his many wonderful caregivers at Whitehall Borough Promedica (formerly Manor Care) who cared for both Gabriel and Gertrude over the past 10 years. The staff demonstrated great patience while Gabe and Gert held late evening card games and shared McDonald’s hamburgers. The family would also like to thank Home Instead who also supplied numerous caregivers over the years who shared kindness and compassion. One caregiver for whom he developed a special bond and lasting friendship was Lee Van Sickle. Lee and Gabe shared similar personalities, enjoyed lots of laughs and shared many pieces of pie. In his last months, the family was appreciative of the support from Tina, Shamuwel, and Nellie. We will forever be grateful.