Rene S. Gabbai, 90, of Springfield, NJ, passed away on Monday October 3, 2016, at his residence. Rene's Life Celebration will be Wednesday October 5th, from 2-4 and 7-9PM at Gray Funeral Directors, 12 Springfield Ave., Cranford. His funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30AM Thursday October 6, 2016 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40 Alden St. Cranford. Entombment will follow in Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield, NJ. Born in Lyon, France, Rene came to the US in 1953, having lived in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. He was the owner of the PNC Company in Nutley, which manufactured circuit boards. Rene had a love for classical and sacred music. He was a past conductor of the Men's Choir at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Newark, and was currently active with the Church Choir at St. Michael's, and the Cranford Celebration Singers. A longtime member of the Rotary Club of Belleville,NJ. he was active with the club's "Gift of Life" program, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Rene was preceded in death by his first wife: Enza, and two sons: Dean and Rene. He is survived by his loving wife: Joanne Niemiera Gabbai, son: Larry Gabbai (Mary Ann), daughters: Franca Ferracane (Daniel), Regina Stratton (Harry), Catherine Niemiera, five grandchildren, Christopher Gabbai (Karen), Melissa Weed (William), Jeffrey Gabbai (Maria), Noah Niemiera, Zachary Stratton, 7 Great Grandchildren: Emily, Cassidy, Keira, Shannon, Katelyn, Mia, and Sean.
Memorial Contributions may be made in his memory to: Gift of Life, PO Box 25, Morris Plains NJ 07950. To view Rene's life tribute, please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com.