Originally posted by Hangtime
Got a call late last night from Linda Gabreski.
At the age of 82, Gabby has passed away.
I have no words... this guy was more than a hero.. he was a friend. He will be missed.
This is very sad news.....
I never came to know Gabby anywhere near as well as I did Bob Johnson. However, like Bob, Gabby was one of my childhood heros. Back in the early 1960s, I wrote countless letters to both men. Without fail, they would take time to answer the child-minded questions I posed. As an adult I could truly appreciate the time and effort they put into answering me.
Back the early 1980s, I would often see Gabby driving in his little Dodge Omni, with his trademark license plate, which said T-BOLT. We would always exchange waves.
Indeed, the last time we spoke was at an airshow here on Long Island, at Gabreski Airport to be specific. He looked increasingly frail then. Although Gabby recognized my face he couldn't recall my name. However, when I mentioned my letters, his eyes lit up and a huge grin filled his face. "Yes, now I remember you!" he said, shaking my hand vigorously.
I recall when Bob Johnson told me that he would be going to Lawton, Oklahoma to spend the Christmas holidays with family. It never crossed my mind that this might be our last conversation. Bob died on the one-year anniversary of my father's death. So, for me, that date has increased meaning.
The fact that Gabby was one of this nation's greatest fighter pilots pales in significance when viewed alongside his kindness, generosity and humility.
I for one, will cherish his memory as one of the finest men I have had the great fortune to meet.
God speed, Gabby.
My regards,
Widewing
