After battling an acute illness, John J. Gabriel of Wareham died on March 24 on his late mother’s, Marion Zion Gabriel, birthday.

He joins his beloved father, George M. Gabriel and his cherished son, John Joseph Gabriel, Jr.

His love of animals began at a very early age when he was the lead trainer for Zion-Joseph Kennels which ran at Wonderland Dog Track, winning The Derby twice with their dogs “Last Scotch” and “Lightning 2” and ended with his devotion to his constant companion and buddy, his shih tzu, “Little.”

His work history is varied and impressive, but his most important achievements are in the martial arts.

An accomplished martial artist, he founded the Red Dragon Martial Arts Academy and was the co-author of the book “The Way of The Cosmic Fist,” a beginner’s guide to the Art of Tai-Ch’Uan-Tao. He was past president of the Florida Legal Martial Arts Association and was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1996. John attained The Rank of Kudan – 9th dan Black Belt in The Style of Tai-Ch’Uan-Tao.

His survivors include his son, James L. Gabriel of New Bedford; his daughter, Ayla M. Gabriel of Boston; his only surviving aunt, Ruby Zine of Wareham; his siblings, Constance Hayes and her husband, John of Mattapoisett, George Gabriel, Jr. and his wife, Mary of Middleboro, Judy Gabriel, Christopher Gabriel and his wife Maureen, Michael Gabriel and Thomas Gabriel all of Wareham, and Nancy Massaad of Rochester, his grandson, Brian James, III of Seminole, Florida and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 6 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rout 28), Wareham from 5 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 7 at St. Patrick’s Church, High Street, Wareham at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham. Family and friends are invited.

Donations in his memory may be made to: Veterans Outreach Center, 569 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601. For directions and online guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.