Gabor Gregory Selak

Gabor Gregory “Gabe” Selak, 46, passed away unexpectedly at his home in San Diego, CA on April 3, 2017.  Born March 23, 1971 in Johnstown.  He was preceded in death by grandparents, (paternal) Joseph and Margaret Palko, (maternal) Conrad and Mildred Nickerson, step father, Roscoe Ostrander, and brother, John Freidhoff.  Survived by parents, Joseph and Janice Selak, Johnstown; Marcia Ostrander-Connors and Richard Connors, Cape Cod, MA; brother, Donald Freidhoff (Lisa Empfield) Pocono Summit; sister, Leilani Knopp (Richard Knopp) Nazareth; sister, Susan Connors, Cape Cod, MA; sister, Tracy Selak (Karen Williams) Johnstown and sister-in-law, Vickie Freidhoff, Angola, NY.  Also, fondly remembered by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and work colleagues and will be sadly missed by his beloved cat, “Chelsea.”  A graduate of Central Cambria (1989) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1994) with a BA in Secondary Education, Gabe was a passionate educator and historian who immersed himself in the local history, wherever he lived, always discovering some new or interesting fact to research and explore.   From his early days as a reenactor at Plymouth Plantation to his most recent role as the History Ambassador of San Diego History Center, he had a natural gift of engaging his audience, no matter their age, eager to share his wealth of knowledge, making history interesting and exciting.  Also, a gifted vocalist, he was a member of the San Diego Gay Men’s Choir as well as a member of the Universal Spirit Center of San Diego.  Gabe was well travelled and believed everyone should leave their little spot and see the world.  A Celebration of Gabe’s Life is scheduled, Friday April 28, 2017 at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, Inc., 921 Menoher Blvd. Visitation with the family will begin at noon until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 pm. The Rev. Dr. Robert R. Wagner officiating.   The family invites anyone who wishes to celebrate Gabe’s life and to share memories to attend.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in care of Tracy Selak, 214 Barron Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 to assist with final costs or to one of your favorite historical museums/landmarks in memory of Gabe.

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