(Youngstown, OH) August 25, 2021 - 570 WKBN has learned that former WKBN Radio host Pete Gabriel has died.
Mr. Gabriel was born in Bronx, NY and graduated High School in Sunbury, PA. He then enlisted in the United States Airforce. It was in the Military that Mr. Gabriel began his radio career in 1958 at Lajes Field, a U.S. Airforce base 500 miles off shore from Portugal.
After successful stops at radio stations in Harrisburg, Kansas City and Columbus, Mr. Gabriel made Youngstown his home at 570 WKBN. During his time at WKBN he not only hosted programs, he also served as the Program Director. He was the architect of the transition from music to talk programming. It was Gabriel that brought talent to WKBN such as Dan Rivers, Ron Verb, Rich Morgan and the late Dan Ryan.
Mr. Gabriel is known for starting the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the Valley. It began with an on-air conversation in 1979 and has continued each year since, excluding 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. On his facebook page, Mr. Gabriel commented "I am really proud to have created an event involving thousands both in the parade and viewing it. A true Family tradition that has been part of Youngstown, Ohio for half a Century."
Mr. Gabriel was inducted in the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame after his retirement in 2005.
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