BUFFALO, N.Y. — Funeral services for St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute basketball coach Gabe Michael were held Saturday morning at Assumption Church on Amherst Street in Buffalo.
"Coach Gabe" died unexpectedly earlier this week. He was 43 years old.
Michael had coached the Marauders since 2018. He helped St. Joe's end a decade-long drought in 2021 when it hoisted the Manhattan Cup in 2021.
“He was a role model, mentor, confidant, and friend to many, and he will be sorely missed by the entire SJCI school community,” said Christopher Fulco, the school president.
“Gabe was more than just a coach; he was an older brother to our athletes and would do anything to ensure their success as players and as men.”
A Canisius High School graduate, Michael also spent time as a coach at Williamsville South, as well as the collegiate programs at Canisius and Medaille.