Frank F. Gabig, Jr.

Frank Francis Gabig Jr passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23rd.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife of over 45 years, Patricia Ann Gabig.  He is survived by his children Jennifer Monahan (Jay), Christopher Gabig, and David Gabig (Nikki Kemp).

Frank, the big FFG (Fast Freddy Gabig to those who knew him, or a less polite version of that acronym to those who really knew him) lived in Mt. Lebanon all of his life and, after graduating Mt. Lebanon High School, went on to the State Police Academy. There is some irony to this being that there wasn’t a speed limit that could contain Frank in his beloved Chevelle. 

After a short stint in law enforcement, Frank moved on to one of his other passions, fixing cars.  He became a master mechanic and was the only one many people would trust over the years to work on their vehicles.

He shared with his children his love of sports and the outdoors in a myriad of ways.  From boating, waterskiing, camping and snowmobiling, Frank did his best to give his children a wonderful and well-rounded upbringing full of fun and adventure.  He coached little league, chaperoned ski trips and, as Scoutmaster of Troop 28, saw both his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

One of his most favorite pastimes was riding his motorcycle, especially with Patty on the back.  The man knew every shortcut from here to Timbuktu but when riding, Frank’s internal navigation always took him the long way, just to savor the moment and extend the ride.  Need corn?  He’d ride up to Butler to stop at a roadside stand.  Chocolate milk?  He would head out to the Springhouse in Washington.  There also was nothing better than taking a ride out to Ohio to stop at a flea market and maybe grab some fireworks on the way back home.

Oh, don’t forget the fireworks!!! There was nothing about Frank that was quiet or reserved so it stands to reason that he loved the only thing louder than his own booming voice.  Every Fourth of July he would head out into the backyard or street to set off a plethora of, not always so legal, fireworks.  Patty would hide in the basement, as the nurse in her could not condone the somewhat reckless joy Frank got out of blowing things up.  There may have been a couple of jumping jacks that ended up under neighbor’s cars, and a few bottle rockets and roman candles that went slightly astray, but the mortars always went straight up and brought a smile to everyone’s face.

In his later years he rediscovered another favorite pastime, shooting trap at Library Sportsmen’s Association.  You would find him there almost every Thursday evening telling stories and enjoying a good cigar.

There is so much more to say about a man who was so much larger than life but this is already pretty long.  Suffice it to say the world is going to be a much quieter place without him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Take solace in knowing he is back with his beloved wife. 

Keep him in your memory when you hear thunder, tell yourself that it’s not the angels bowling, it’s just Frank “talking loudly”, and maybe next Fourth of July light off a firework or two, just for fun.

Family and friends will gather at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes 222 Washington Road Mt. Lebanon on Friday from 4-7 PM. Interment in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery will be private. 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association