Robert Francis "Gabe" Gabrelcik 90 of Lexington Park, MD died September 29, 2012 at Calvert Memorial Hospital. Born May 19, 1922 in Waverly, Minnesota, he was the son of the late John Gabrelcik and Mary (Polinga) Gabrelcik.

Mr. Gabrelcik entered the U.S. Navy in 1942 during the height of World War II, and was trained as an aviator and a test pilot for multi-engine aircraft. He served for more than three and a half years. From August 1944 until March 1945, he fought at Dunkeswell, Britain in Squadron No. 10, keeping the Germans at bay from overrunning England. He flew 22 missions hunting for German submarines. The B24 bomber's duties were to escort the British war ships as well as commercial ships up to 600 miles back to the safety of British coasts.

Mr. Gabrelcik was also stationed at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station as a test pilot (Service Test Division). He was a member of Class "O" of the of the Naval Test Pilot School. Most of his work was done in the PB4Y-2 aircraft. During his service, Mr. Gabrelcik received the Victory Ribbon, the WWII American Area Campaign Ribbon, and European African (One Star) Air Medals.

Mr. Gabrelcik started his first business at the age of 24. Using his savings, he opened a Lincoln Mercury dealership in Lexington Park, MD. Along with several other local business owners, he later started up the Maryland Bank and Trust company. He served as Chairman of the Board until his retirement.

Mr. and Mrs. Gabrelcik have been involved with several civic groups and charity organizations over the years. Included are the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, the Lexington Park Rotary, the Navy Alliance, the St. John's Building Fund, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's Hospital and St. Mary's Ryken. They were honored for their generosity and support by the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Gabrelcik was honored by the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum with a bronze bust of himself for his many contributions and leadership over the years.

Mr. Gabrelcik is survived by his wife, Joyce whom he met while stationed in Jacksonville, FL and married on June 14, 1947; his children, James R. Gabrelcik of San Francisco, CA, and William J. Gabrelcik of Oahu, HI; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death in by his son, Robert R. Gabrelcik and his siblings George Gabrelcik, Raymond Gabrelcik, Frank Gabrelcik, Johnny Gabrelcik and Angie Milne.

A Memorial Service will be held by Reverend Raymond Schmidt on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.