Obituary of Claus W. Gabrielson

Claus Wm. “Gabe” Gabrielson, 78, of Pittsgrove, passed away at home on Friday, August 26, 2016. Claus was born in Chicago, IL to the late Claus, a Chicago builder, and Irene (nee Rosenkilde) Gabrielson. Claus graduated from the former North Park Academy (now University) in Chicago. He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He had taken many graduate courses in computers and business. He specialized in Computer Networking and had 17 Computer Networking Certifications. He worked for over 30 years in the computer industry starting his career with the large main frames onto the smaller PCs. After college graduation he began working with IBM at their Corporate Headquarters in Upstate NY. He then transferred to a new company called The Xerox Corporation in Rochester, NY. He then moved to New England where he was employed by the Digital Equipment Corporation. He considered one of his finest accomplishments was putting together a computer system to network the employees of the Chicago Tribune Newspaper. Claus had a keen interest in politics as a Conservative Republican. His father led the Republican Party in Chicago’s 50th Republican Ward. Claus worked on President Reagan’s first Presidential Campaign in Manchester, NH. He always remembered sitting up front with his son at the famous Reagan/Bush debate. He also was the Upstate NY Campaign Manager for Senator Jim Buckley, the only NY Senator elected from the Conservative Party. Claus studied the piano and accordion from a young age. He continued to play and entertain at his annual Christmas Swedish Smorgasbord and St. Patrick’s Day parties. He is survived by his devoted wife Nancy (nee Berkstresser) who he met while working at the AC Casinos. He was proud of his two sons: Rudy, a well-known Maine musician, and Paul (Jeri) a former Marine from Rochester, NY. He was the beloved Poppa Claus to grandchildren Andrew, Sarabeth, Jacob, and Tyler Gabrielson and Great Grandchildren Willa and Olsen Gabrielson, and 4 step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Carol Sinck (late Tim), nieces Noelle Sinck and Christina Church (Michael) and his former daughter-in-law Jane Auchincloss. Services will be held at 11AM on Wed., August 31st at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. Visitation will be from 9-11AM prior to the services. Burial will take place at Olivet Cemetery in Pittsgrove immediately following the services. Written condolences can be sent to the family at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.