Ilion Gabriel A. Paragi, 90, of Avery Rd. Ilion, passed away on Saturday January 16, 2010 at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford. Gabe was born on March 7, 1919 the son of the late Gabriel and Sophia (Magyar) Paragi. He was educated in Glenfield schools, Coyne Electrical School in Chicago and Utica College. On October 6, 1945 he married the former Elsie Magyar at St. Mary's Church in Glenfield. He was employed as a carpenter with various contractors, retiring from Buck Construction several years ago. Gabe was a proud WWII Veteran, serving in the US Army he reached the rank of Sergeant. Having served in both Europe and Africa with Co. B 1343 Engineers Battalion, during his service he earned the; American Defense Service Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge, the European, African, Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Gabe was a member of the Church of The Annunciation in Ilion, VFW post 502 where he was a life member, a long time member of the Ilion Fish and Game Club, and the Carpenters Local 120. Gabe enjoyed going on fishing trips to Canada, gardening and building birdhouses and furniture in his basement workshop. Gabe is survived by his son Michael and his wife Marilyn of Ilion. His daughters Sandy and her husband Larry Lind, Pat Ortlieb, and Pam and her husband Tom Allen all of Colorado Springs, CO, his brother Joseph Paragi of Whitesboro, and two sisters Helen Valasky of Brantingham and Virginia DiCarlol of Lowville. He also leaves his grandchildren Jackie and her husband Anthony Jackson and Cristi Paragi all of Ilion, Mike and his wife Gina Paragi of Frankfort, Julie and her husband Steve Matt of Utica, Scott Nelson and his significant other Amy of Forestport, Holly and her husband Bruce Garlock of MA, Wendy and her husband Shaine Grieshaber of Superior CO and Keith Ortlieb of NC. Gabe also leaves 13 great grandchildren. Funeral services for Gabe will be held on Tuesday January 19, 2010 at 6 pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego St. Ilion. Deacon James Bower will officiate. Interment will be in the spring in the Brantingham Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 3 pm until the time of the funeral. Memorial contributions in Gabe's memory may be made to the Strong Memorial Organ Donation Program envelopes are available at the funeral home. On line condolences may be sent and memorial candles lit by going to www.whiter-hendrix.com.