John Henry Gabriel

John Henry Gabriel was born on October 13, 1936, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was one of twenty-one children born to Henry Gabriel and Nora Bell Gabriel.

Following in the footsteps of his brother Hollis, who left North Carolina at the age of 12, John made his way to New York City. Hollis established himself in New York, and helped pave the way for his younger siblings to follow. First came Sally, and then young John Henry. 

An entrepreneur at heart, John moved to New York City and built several businesses, including a construction company, and a restaurant. The restaurant had no name but customers knew that the corner of Jerome Avenue was the place to go for a good fish fry, the food spoke for itself.

Nora Bell’s kitchen at 122 Beatties Ford Road was the culinary school where all her children learned to cook. Preparing meals was a family affair. Hollis and Johnny chopped wood for the fireplace and stove and hauled water from the well. Every sibling had a task. Whether gathering sweet potatoes and collard greens from the fields, cutting vegetables, or getting water from the well, everyone brought something to the table.

It is no surprise then that from Hollis’ fish-and-chips spot on Columbus Avenue, to John’s restaurant on Jerome Avenue, Nora Bell’s recipes became a magnet for hungry customers and a delight to the taste buds.

Outside of the kitchen, John built a beautiful family of his own. He married fellow southerner, Geneva Williams, a woman of strength and beauty, and together they raised Roy Gabriel, Judy Gabriel, Diane Gabriel, and Anette Gabriel.

Sharp, spunky, and resilient, John had a fortitude that lives on in the generations who carry his DNA. His beautiful smile lit up a room, and his humor still brings laughter to those who remember thick Southern accent, quick wit, and matter-of-fact way of speaking.

A lover of all things old-school, John was known for his jukebox and record collection. On his block, he was a familiar and cherished presence, often found sitting outside on his walker, sharing stories, laughter, and conversation with neighbors.

Always eager for a fishing trip, John could often be found with rod in hand and Big Al at his side, heading to the piers in Brooklyn or setting off on a road trip to Pennsylvania in search of the next good catch that would eventually make its way to the dinner table.

While John will be deeply missed, he will also be forever remembered, and live on through the generations of family who follow him.

John is survived by his children, Judy (Elijah) Gabriel-Thomas, Diane (Derick) Persaud, Anette (Marcus) Thomas; grandchildren, Neveah Gabriel, Camille Joslyn Berry, Christina Jasmine Berry, Courtney Kendall Berry Jr., Aniyah Trenece Thomas, Aliyah Nalani Thomas, Sade Falebita, Olamide Geneva Bolajoko Ferencze, Dr. Rehana Victoria Persaud-Ortiz, Gabriella Ayanna Jalini Persaud, Alana Ashleena Persaud, Marcus Denzel Thomas, Gayle Sherry Thomas, Alexis Tara Thomas, Somia Geneva Thomas, Naji Jordan Thomas, Eli Habeeb Thomas, Timothy Michael Thomas, Olivia Zaynab Thomas; great grandchildren, Saevah Mekada Simpson, Julius Roy Amaefuna, Jaydeni  Ifeanyi Amaefuna, Jewel Natalia Amaefuna, Jamaica Leilani Amaefuna, Bella Thomas, Niyla Geneva Williams, Angel Thomas; siblings, Judy Gabriel, Barbara Gabriel, Paula Gabriel, Henrietta Gabriel Broadie, Freddie Gabriel, Charles Gabriel, Robert “Roger” Gabriel, Larry Gabriel; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Gabriel and Nora Bell Gabriel; wife, Geneva Williams; sons, Roy Jean Gabriel, Poochie Gabriel; daughter, Julie Gabriel; and siblings, Grace Gabriel, Sally Gabriel, Holland “Hollis” Gabriel, Estelle Gabriel, Marjorie “Margie” Gabriel, Frank Gabriel, Billy Richard Gabriel, Max “Mack” Gabriel, Harold Gabriel.

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