Ryan Gabel

Ryan William Gabel, 37, of Sylvania, died unexpectedly on February 24, 2013, while on a business trip in Shanghai, China. Born on September 11, 1975, in Columbus, Ohio, to Bob and Diana Gabel, Ryan attended St. Joseph Sylvania and was a 1994 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School where he was Salutatorian of his graduating class. While there, Ryan played Varsity Basketball, was the 1992, 1993 and 1994 City Tennis Champion, and the 1994 State Runner-up Tennis Champion. Ryan continues his academic and athletic success by earning a scholarship to Bowling Green State University. While at BGSU, Ryan was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and played Division 1 Tennis from 1994-1998 and was team captain. He was a three time Academic All-American in Tennis and the 1997-1998 Student Athlete of the Year. Ryan graduated from BGSU Summa Cum Laude, was awarded the 1998 Presidents Award in the business school and was the 1998 Graduation Commencement Ceremony Speaker. Ryans professional career includes 11 years in New York City working in private equity financing Pouschine Cook Capital Management and MA investment banking Banc of America Securities and Prudential Securities. During his eight years as a private equity investor, he held positions on several boards of directors and was active in strategic planning, acquisitions, and financing transactions. After moving back to Ohio, Ryan spent one year in Toledo with Savage Consulting assisting early stage businesses and advising a local venture capital fund. In the fall of 2010, he was awarded the Fisher Fellowship scholarship from the Fisher College of Business at his beloved The Ohio State University. While studying he also served as an advisor for the Fisher Futures Program for undergraduates and received his MBA degree with honors in May 2012. Upon graduation Ryan joined Owens Corning as a Corporate Development Leader focusing on merger and acquisition activities. Ryan was exuberant, energetic and playful. He had an infectious enthusiasm, and was full of passion for his family, friends, and career. He had tremendous faith which helped him overcome challenges. He was a sports enthusiast and a devoted fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the New York Yankees. Ryan, his father and younger brother, Brandon, have a twelve-year tradition of attending the annual Buckeye Wolverine football game. Meeting so many of his family and friends to cheer on his team was one of his favorite pastimes. He embraced the role of an engaged and fun-loving uncle and godfather, taking many field trips and ski trips with his nieces and nephews and making each one of them feel special in their own way. He loved to cook and especially enjoyed learning the family ravioli recipe from his grandmother. In addition to tennis and golf, Ryan was an avid runner and completed many marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2011. An extremely giving person, Ryan served on the BGSU College of Business Finance Advisory Council, volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Junior Achievement where he influenced and mentored many. Ryan was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Howard Gabel and Fran Gabel Boyer, maternal grandfather William Chapman; uncles, Bill Chapman and Doug Boyer, and cousin Todd Rosebrock. He is survived by his loving parents, Diana and Bob Gabel; maternal grandmother Grace Chapman; paternal grandfather Herb Boyer; siblings, Kristin JP Little, Brandon Sarah Gabel and Alyson Joe Schlageter; eight nieces and nephews: Ethan, Owen and Chase Little, Cheaney and Tenley Gabel, and Paige, William and Josie Schlageter; aunts and uncles; Ron Sistie Gabel, Joan Tom Nicholson, Jim Kathy Gabel, Jan Dave Rosebrock, and Sue Chapman, and many cousins. His family will receive friends on Friday from Noon-9PM at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., where a Sharing of Memories service will take place at 8PM. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:30AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania. Those wishing to give a tribute in Ryans memory are asked to consider the Ryan Gabel 94 Scholarship Fund at St. Francis de Sales High School, 2323 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43607. www.walkerfuneralhomes.com