Gabriel "GABE" T. DeMarco

DeMARCO, Gabriel T. – On a rainy Tuesday morning, November 20th, 2012, Gabe passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He had been battling lymphoma since August and died unexpectedly from respiratory complications. On January 20th, 1932, Gabe was born in Philadelphia, PA to Phillip and Mary DeMarco. He attended Germantown High School and in 1952, he joined the Air Force, was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, and served during the Korean War. He married Marilyn Kennedy in 1953 and they raised three daughters. He was a brick mason by trade and helped to build many landmarks here in Spokane. Spilker Masonry was his main employer, but he worked for various contractors. He was a member of Bricklayers Local #3 and the Eagles. He retired in 1994. He was a loving husband and caregiver for Marilyn until her death in 2001. He built their dream vacation home on Lake Spokane and Tum Tum was a special place since Marilyn’s family had homesteaded there in the 1800’s. They provided a wonderful place for their children and grandchildren to enjoy. He enjoyed bowling at Lilac Lanes, traveling, and spending time with his special companion, Norma Casey until her tragic death last month. Gabe also liked going to Northern Quest Casino and had many friends there. He is survived by his brothers, Michael DeMarco (Betty), Phillip DeMarco Jr. and their families; also by his daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Totman (Mark), Laurie Merriman (Les), and Luanne Jacobson (Paul); his grandchildren and families, Melissa Jacobson, David Totman (Tammy), Stephanie Othmer (Mitch), and Jason Merriman (Alyssa); his great-grandchildren, Kacey, Tyler, Hayden, and Ryland. Gabe was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor and had many good friends. He will be sorely missed! Special thanks to our Providence Holy Family and Sacred Heart Medical Center “family” including co-workers and medical staff. Viewing will be at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N DIVISION between the hours of 9AM and 5PM on Monday, November 26th. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 27th, 2012 at 1:00 PM in the Sunset Mausoleum Chapel on the grounds of Fairmount Memorial Park Cemetery, with Pastor Bob Silver presiding. “Gabe’s Party” will follow the service.