LACONIA ---- W.J. “Walt” Gabrielski, 85, of Old North Main Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Walt was born on May 24, 1940, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the son of the late Walter and Emelia (Roman) Gabrielski.
He grew up in Naugatuck, CT, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Hartford and dedicated his professional life to the field of systems servicing and management. Forging a successful career at IBM, he and his family made several moves as he advanced in positions, including two times to Florida, back to Connecticut, Texas, and Illinois. After taking an early retirement from IBM, Walt worked at SCI located in Alabama and was responsible for establishing a manufacturing facility in New Hampshire. After leaving SCI, Walt established his own business in NH refurbishing computer equipment. He was then hired by one of his clients, Lords Computer Group and relocated to Georgia. After retiring from Lords, Walt and his wife moved to Laconia. His contributions to the industry were significant, and he earned the respect of many colleagues and friends throughout his career.
Walt was Mr. Fix-It; he would fix anything broken, from computers to taking a car dashboard apart to fix a rattle. He enjoyed boating, spending time with family, traveling, and visiting National Parks. He was also a fantastic cook, famous for his apple pancakes, beef barley soup, and homemade pierogi.
Walt was a cherished family man, leaving behind his loving wife Roberta E. Gabrielski (Roman) and his devoted daughter Leslie and her husband Steven Gendron. He is also survived by a loving brother, Joseph Gabrielski; sister-in-law, Laura Roman; and several nieces and nephews, including Alexandra and her husband Dalton Brooks, their son Addison; Bethany and her husband Rich Gallant, their son Timothy; Jason and his wife Amy Rama, their daughters, Aubrey and Caroline. Each of them will remember him for his kindness, perseverance, and deep commitment to family. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-laws Jana Gabrielski and Christina Rama and her husband James Rama.
Calling Hours will take place at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH, at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Walt’s honor be made to Granite VNA Hospice House, 30 Pillsbury, Concord, NH 03301.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.