Damien A Gabis

Dr. Damien A. Gabis, of Barrington, IL passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at The Garlands of Barrington. He was born in Steubenville, OH to the late Anthony and Agnes Yoka Gabis and raised in Toronto, OH, the eldest of nine children. 

In his early years, Damien worked for his father at Stanley’s Market in Steubenville, OH before marrying his high school sweetheart, Rita Trzaskoma, in August 1965. 

Damien graduated from the College of Steubenville, now Franciscan University of Steubenville, in 1964 having earned a Bachelor of Science degree and went on to earn two additional degrees in food microbiology: a master’s from the University of Kentucky and a Doctorate from North Carolina State University. 

Damien began his professional career with Silliker Laboratories in Chicago Heights, IL where he dedicated over two decades as CEO to advancing food safety and quality assurance. Through his work, he played a critical role in shaping modern practices in food microbiology, leaving a legacy of excellence and dedication to public health.

Damien and Rita were passionate advocates for environmental conservation and education. In 2001, they opened Taltree Arboretum and Gardens to the public in Valparaiso, IN. The arboretum is a cherished community resource offering visitors a peaceful retreat while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The arboretum was donated to Purdue University Northwest in 2018 and is now known as the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest. 

Damien was a loving and generous son, brother, husband, father and dziadzia. He will always be remembered as an enthusiastic adventurer, philanthropist, educator, and lover of nature. He found peace and joy outdoors and instilled this appreciation in all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and wisdom will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Damien is preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers, Matthew A. Gabis, Mark A. Gabis, and Joseph A. Gabis. 

He is survived by his loving wife Rita T. Gabis; sons, Ben A. Gabis of Chicago, IL and Joseph M. Gabis of New York, NY; daughter, Stephanie M. Gabis and her wife, Eileen Horgan of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren Austin, Tyler, Lauren, Declan, and Aideen.

Also surviving are brothers, Jerome A. Gabis (Carol) of Cincinnati, OH, Paul A. Gabis (Linda) of Cold Spring, KY, and John A. Gabis (Janine) of Chillicothe, OH; sisters, Mary Lou Deku (Robert) of Toronto, OH and Margaret Ann Parker (Paul) of Colorado Springs; sisters-in-law Barbara Gabis of Harmony, PA, Terrie Gabis of Smyrna, TN and Cathy Gabis of Fort Thomas, KY.

Visitation will be at Davenport Funeral Home in Barrington, IL on February 28, 2025, from 4:00PM – 8:00PM. There will be a funeral service on March 1, 2025, at 11:00AM at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Barrington, IL followed by a luncheon. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest.