Neighbors, patients shocked at news of Gabrieles' deaths

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

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Gabriele Eye Institute

Dr. Philip Gabriele and his wife Marcella were found dead at Gabriele Eye Institute in Elkhart on Monday, June 15, 2009. (Photo courtesy Gabrieleeye.com)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jun 15, 2009 at 4:48 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 15, 2009 at 6:43 PM EST

ST. JOSEPH CO — People who knew the Gabrieles are reacting to the couple's sudden deaths. Neighbors said nothing seemed out of the ordinary at the Gabrieles' home in Clay Township in the days before they died.

No one saw it coming.

“I didn’t know what to think,” said Risha Kohli, who lives across the street from the couple’s house. “I didn’t even believe it at first.”

“They had so much going for them. “I don't know why it had to end up like that,” said another neighbor, Mary Ann Cira.

Then again, Cira, Kohli and other neighbors said they didn’t know Dr. Gabriele or his wife Marcella very well at all.

“People here generally wave to each other and they did that,” Kohli told WSBT. “We didn't really talk to them much. I'm not sure if many of the neighbors really talked to them much.”

Cira also said Marcella Gabriele’s brother lived with the couple until about a month ago.

“He was friendly,” she recalled. “My husband would speak with him and have little conversations with him. [He] seems like a nice guy.”

Marci Sears said Dr. Gabriele preformed her Lasik eye surgery three years ago.

“[He was] always very professional and had a great demeanor,” said Sears.

She told WSBT Gabriele’s Mishawaka office called last Friday morning to cancel her appointment for that afternoon. A few hours later she found out about the federal indictment.

“I just never really put much stock in what happened a couple years ago, so when I found out he'd been indicted, I was very surprised,” Sears said. “[It’s] very upsetting for someone of that education level, that skilled, that professional to take his own life.”

“I wish the brother well,” said Cira. “I know it’s real hard for him because he loved his sister. I do know that. I hope he’s OK."

Neighbors said the Gabrieles did not have children.

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