William Gabrio
- Navy
WILLIAM GEORGE GABRIO
August 5, 1940 ˜ May 2, 2026
William "Bill” George Gabrio, 85, passed away on May 2, 2026. Born August 5, 1940, in Crosby, Minnesota, he grew up in Camas, Washington.
After graduating from Camas High School in 1958, Bill served proudly in the U.S. Navy as a submariner aboard the USS Tunny and USS Sam Houston. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet "Terrell” Gabrio, beginning 66 years of partnership.
Settling in Spokane, Bill balanced work and school, graduating from Eastern Washington University (EWU). He built a distinguished career in banking _ leading ONB’s Leasing and Insurance divisions. Deeply committed to his community, he served with Spokane Business Executives, Junior Achievement, SCORE, and the Developmental Disabilities Division, and was the President of the EWU Foundation.
Bill was an owner and President of the F.O. Berg Company, expanding its manufacturing and retail operations while preserving the Company’s long standing heritage as producer of shelters and awnings. In retirement, he continued mentoring entrepreneurs and remained active in Spokane’s business community. In 2015, he and Janet returned to Camas/Washougal to be closer to family, reconnecting with classmates and joining the VFW.
With a long list of professional accomplishments, Bill’s most cherished roles were within his family and friends. Together Bill and Janet built a loving and lasting family. He was a proud dad to Sean and Colleen, and a devoted grandpa to Lauren, Megan, Brooke, and Gwynne. He was a pursuer of knowledge, an avid reader, and a man of many hobbies. You could rely on him to fix almost anything. Bill and Janet loved traveling, dancing, cooking, and tailgating to cheer on their favorite teams. Most often you would find him at Priest Lake boating, fishing, making trips to Tamarack, and enjoying happy hour on the deck. In short, he firmly believed every day was a good day at the Lake.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Terrell) Gabrio; children, Sean (Leslie) Gabrio and Colleen (Steven) Olson; grandchildren, Lauren (Jacob) Nye, Megan Gabrio, Brooke Olson, and Gwynne Olson, along with an extended family of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 30, at
2 p.m. at Journey Church in Camas, Washington, with a reception to follow. Donations may be made in his honor to The Arc of Spokane or VFW Post 4278.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
August 5, 1940 ˜ May 2, 2026
William "Bill” George Gabrio, 85, passed away on May 2, 2026. Born August 5, 1940, in Crosby, Minnesota, he grew up in Camas, Washington.
After graduating from Camas High School in 1958, Bill served proudly in the U.S. Navy as a submariner aboard the USS Tunny and USS Sam Houston. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet "Terrell” Gabrio, beginning 66 years of partnership.
Settling in Spokane, Bill balanced work and school, graduating from Eastern Washington University (EWU). He built a distinguished career in banking _ leading ONB’s Leasing and Insurance divisions. Deeply committed to his community, he served with Spokane Business Executives, Junior Achievement, SCORE, and the Developmental Disabilities Division, and was the President of the EWU Foundation.
Bill was an owner and President of the F.O. Berg Company, expanding its manufacturing and retail operations while preserving the Company’s long standing heritage as producer of shelters and awnings. In retirement, he continued mentoring entrepreneurs and remained active in Spokane’s business community. In 2015, he and Janet returned to Camas/Washougal to be closer to family, reconnecting with classmates and joining the VFW.
With a long list of professional accomplishments, Bill’s most cherished roles were within his family and friends. Together Bill and Janet built a loving and lasting family. He was a proud dad to Sean and Colleen, and a devoted grandpa to Lauren, Megan, Brooke, and Gwynne. He was a pursuer of knowledge, an avid reader, and a man of many hobbies. You could rely on him to fix almost anything. Bill and Janet loved traveling, dancing, cooking, and tailgating to cheer on their favorite teams. Most often you would find him at Priest Lake boating, fishing, making trips to Tamarack, and enjoying happy hour on the deck. In short, he firmly believed every day was a good day at the Lake.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Terrell) Gabrio; children, Sean (Leslie) Gabrio and Colleen (Steven) Olson; grandchildren, Lauren (Jacob) Nye, Megan Gabrio, Brooke Olson, and Gwynne Olson, along with an extended family of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 30, at
2 p.m. at Journey Church in Camas, Washington, with a reception to follow. Donations may be made in his honor to The Arc of Spokane or VFW Post 4278.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
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