Columbus, OH — Albert A. Gabel, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, 91, died April 12, 2021.

He was born near Fremont, Ohio, and raised on a farm. He graduated first in his class from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1954. Following his graduation, he served for two years as a public health inspector in the U.S. Air Force in Germany, where he was awarded a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He returned to The Ohio State University and earned a Master of Science in Veterinary Surgery in 1959. His master’s degree research led to the first practical, useful general anesthesia in horses.

During his 33 years at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, he was a top equine clinician and surgeon who pioneered techniques for diagnosing and treating lameness in horses. His specialty led him to enthusiastically pursue the sport of Standardbred racing. He had a gift for turning what he called counterfeit trotters into winners.

He was head of the Clinical Equine Section from 1971 until 1989. He authored or co-authored more than 100 peer reviewed articles as well as several hundred articles that appeared in horsemen’s journals. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of the people he trained who became major contributors in equine medicine. He mentored 23 resident-graduate students in veterinary medicine.

His mentees recall his passion for helping horses, their owners, and his students. He was known for his “Gabelisms” which were direct, amusing statements that got his students’ attention, encouraged them to think critically, and inspired them to act when treating horses. Incidentally, some of these “Gabelisms” were also used to teach his children.

In 2000, Dr. Gabel received the American Association of Equine Practitioners Distinguished Educator Award.

After his retirement in 1989, he trained and drove Standardbreds for 11 years. He was elected president of the Ohio Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association in 1992 and initiated its merger with the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association. He earned recognition as the U.S. Amateur Driver of the Year in 1995.

His family took part in caring for the Standardbreds at the racetrack and at home. Although reluctant at first, due to a lack of experience with horses, his wife, Lucy, became his number one groom.

Later in life, he was a political activist. Taking civic responsibility to heart, he wrote editorials, volunteered for campaigns, and worked on numerous issues.

He enjoyed playing bridge with Lucy, vegetable gardening, and maintaining the hundreds of trees he planted at his home. He was an avid fan of the Buckeyes, Reds, and Bengals.

He was a member of St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church.

In all he did, Dr. Gabel was honest, generous, and fair. His example made an indelible impression on his family and everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Lucille; brother, James; children, Mary Jane Kreider, Edward (SuEllen), Ruth (John) Pitman, Carole (Kelly) Cusack, Janet (James) Mullen and Matthew (Patricia); son-in-law, John LaPorte; grandchildren, Nathan (Sarah) Kreider, Rachel (Jacob Wollenberg), Jonathan LaPorte, Sarah (Jeffrey) Hackett, Samantha (Robert) Schodle, Jeffrey Pitman, Maeve Cusack, Addy Cusack, Claire Mullen, Grace and Stella; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, William and John; sister, Emma Genter; daughter, Ann LaPorte; and son-in-law, Perry Kreider.

Visitation will take place on Monday (April 19) from 4-8 p.m. at Maeder-Quint Tiberi Funeral Home, 1068 South High St., Columbus, OH 43206. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church, 7179 Avery Rd., Dublin, OH 43017 on Tuesday (April 20) at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Food Pantry, 57 South Grubb St., Columbus, OH 43215; St. Brigid School Endowment Fund, 7179 Avery Rd., Dublin, OH 43017; or The Vet Med, 1954 Scholarship. Checks should be made payable to OSU Foundation, Memo line: 667490 at OSU College of Vet Med, Attn: Tiffany Connors, 1900 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH 43210.

To sign the online condolences please visit www.MaederQuintTiberi.com.