Gerard Isabel

Gerard D. “Pup” Isabel, 86, of Lincoln Avenue, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Thursday morning January 12, 2012 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam after a long illness..

Born on August 25, 1925, Gerard was the son of the late Alex and Anne Murphy Isabel.

Gerard was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute and Siena College; majoring in Political Science.

He was a United State Navy veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict. While in the Coast Guard, he served as a Sonarman Third Class, while serving in the United State Navy, aboard the U.S.S. Foss, he was a radio repairman. He was the recipient of World War II Victory Medal, the American Defense Medal, the Fleet and Base Clasp, and the Asiatic-Pacific, American and European Mid - Eastern Theatre Medals and the Korean Service Medal.

Upon his return from the service, he worked for General Electric, sold insurance for Metropolitan Life and sold advertising for WCSS radio station. For 38 years, he worked as a waiter at Isabel’s Restaurant. After Isabel’s, Gerard worked as a greeter at Wal-Mart, retiring in 2005.

Gerard was an avid golfer. He played in many tournaments and at the age of sixteen, he was an assistant pro at Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course. He was also an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles, especially the New York Times. “Pup” was a great story teller, loved to make people laugh and never forgot anyone’s name after meeting them.

Gerard is survived by his wife, of 56 years, Angela Zegarelli Isabel to whom he married on September 17,1955,Three sons, Alexander (Stormy) Isabel , Benji Isabel and Gerard ( Linda ) Isabel, five grandchildren, the joys of his life, Elizabeth, Laura, David, Tony and Pennie Isabel, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins

Gerard was predeceased by his brother, Dr. John Isabel and his sister, Maureen Takeda.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday afternoon January 17, 2012 at 1:15 o’clock at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; Amsterdam, followed at 2:00 o’clock by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY.

Interment will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Amsterdam.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 7p.m. at the Riley Mortuary.

Memorial gifts in Gerard’s memory may be made to American Diabetes Association, 2 Pine West Plaza, Albany, NY 12205.