YOUNGSTOWN - A familiar radio voice, known for bringing the St. Patrick's Day Parade back to the Valley, has passed away at the age of 83, according to a post on the 570 WKBN website.

The post did not offer information about the circumstances of Pete Gabriel's death or details on funeral arrangements.

Gabriel was born in Bronx, NY, and graduated High School in Sunbury, PA.

After enlisting in the United States Airforce, in 1958 Gabriel began his radio career at Lajes Field, a U.S. Airforce base near Portugal.

After jobs at radio stations in Harrisburg, Kansas City, and Columbus, Gabriel came to 570 WKBN in Youngstown where he hosted programs and served as the Program Director. Gabriel oversaw the transition of Radio 570 from music to talk programming.

Gabriel's association with the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the Valley began with an on-air conversation in 1979 and has continued each year since, excluding 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The "St. Patrick's Day in the Valley" special which aired this past March on 21 WFMJ, featured comments and remembrances shared by Gabriel about past parades.

On his Facebook page, Mr. Gabriel commented "I am really proud to have created an event involving thousands both in the parade and viewing it. A true family tradition that has been part of Youngstown, Ohio for half a century."

Former General Manager WKBN Radio Bill Kelly worked with Gabriel beginning in 1981, calling him a family man.

“Pete was the consummate Morning Mayor,” said Kelly of Gabriel. “He wrapped his arms around Youngstown and Youngstown hugged back.”

Retiring in 2005, Gabriel was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame.