William C. Gabonay

William C. Gabonay, 95, of Greencastle, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.

He was one of eight children born in Clinton, Ind., of immigrant parents from the Bratislava region of Slovakia.

He attended Sacred Heart parish school and graduated from Clinton High School in 1935.

Soon after, Bill became a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps and helped to build roads in Shakamak State Park.

Following several jobs in Indianapolis, including employment at International Harvester, he was drafted into the Army in 1941, serving for 44½ months as an infantryman in Hawaii, Guadalcanal and The Philippines. Bill participated in the Luzon, Panay and Negros campaigns.

In 2003, he was recognized by the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress for his leadership in securing a strategic target, a five-span bridge loaded with explosives, over the Bago River on Negros.

Following serious health issues, Bill retired from Eli Lilly in Indianapolis in 1976 after 27 years in the Penicillin, Empty Capsule and Gelatin Preparation departments.

He and his wife Marion relocated from Beech Grove to Greencastle in 1977, where he spent 22 wonderful years on their wooded property and pond on Dunbar Heights.

Following a 12-year residency among dear friends and neighbors at Spring Street condominiums, Bill and Marion moved to Asbury Towers and developed many new friendships among the residents and staff there.

Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Marion; sons and daughters-in-law, Paul Gabonay (Susan), Will Gabonay (Carol), Jim Gabonay and Tom Gabonay (Carol); grandchildren and spouses, Anne Frank (Joe), Jeff Gabonay (Alison), Sarah and Kevin Gabonay; great-granddaughter Nora Frank; youngest brother and sister-in-law Charles Gabonay (Julie); sisters-in-law Doris Gabonay and Ruth Gabonay; nieces, nephews and their families; and many good and caring friends.

Visitation will be at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, 602 E. Washington Street, Greencastle, from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 with a time of remembrance at 7 p.m.

Funeral liturgy will take place at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greencastle, 202 E. Washington St., at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5. A brief burial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2446 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the donor's favorite local charity.