Gabriel "Gabe" V. Demeria

Gabriel V. “Gabe” Demeria, age 89 of Seffner, FL and Solon Springs, WI, passed away on November 1, 2013, in the comfort and peace of the Solvay Hospice House, surrounded by family, ending a brief battle with cancer.


Gabe was born May 22, 1924 in Duluth, MN to Anthony and Anna ( Phelps) Demeria. He attended public and vocational schools in Duluth. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 and proudly served his country in WWII for three years in New Guinea and Manila Bay.

Gabe met the love of his life, Bette Shebetsky, at Cub Lajoy’s Rollerdrome in Duluth. They were married on December 4, 1943 and enjoyed almost 70 years of marriage.


Gabe was a member of the American Legion, Moose and VFW Clubs. He was also a member of the Teamsters Local 349, Laborer’s local 1091 and Operating Engineers Local 49.

He worked in construction most of his life and was a mechanic by trade. He drove semi for National Foods and owned and operated the Lester Park Skelly gas station. He then went to work at J.D. Harold and Frank Amendola Construction until his retirement in 1987.

During his retirement years Gabe stayed busy and was well known to all as “The Lawn Mower Man” and enjoyed working on anything that had a small engine. To say the least, he was the master of small engine repairs and this was definitely his passion. Gabe also loved to follow and discuss politics and was a proud Democrat. Most of all Gabe was committed to his family and cherished his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful man and there are simply no words to express how much he will be missed.

Gabe is survived by his loving wife Bette; his son, Kerry (Lori Green) of Seffner, FL, his daughters, Toni Charboneau of Solon Springs, WI and Loni (Paul) Malknecht of Duluth, MN; his six beloved grandchildren, Dana, Angell (Scott), Sheryl (Butch), Gene, Tami (Larry) and Brian and his twelve great-grandchildren, Nick, Alexis, Kristin, Scott Jr, Ashlee, Matt, Lexi, Samantha, Shana, Abby, Reece and Penny, his special sister-in-law, Betty Petrovic, very special friends, Terri and Dean Neumann and many other loving and caring friends. Gabe will also be missed by his constant companion, Roxee.

Gabe was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters.

The family wishes to thank Steven Foltz, Bret Friday and their staff at Essential Health and the wonderful and caring staff at Solvay Hospice House for the kindness and care that they gave to Gabe and his family.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 11405 S. 1st Street W. in Solon Springs, WI and continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Service with full Military Honors accorded by Lockmen-Jensen American Legion Post #499, Gordon, WI.

The family wishes to thank Bill Downs III and the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home staff for their help and kindness during this difficult time.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.
To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.