Joseph A. Gabella Award

Award History: Composed by 2013 Head Coach, Nick Ricci

Joseph A. Gabella came to the United States as an immigrant from Italy. He originally settled down in the Cambria County area. It was there that he met his wife, Alice Munro Gabella. In 1926 Alice’s father had completed the construction of a house in Forest Hills at the address of 100 Batavia Road. One year later, in 1927, they moved in with Alice’s father and became long time residents of Forest Hills for over 40 years. It was here that Joe worked as a linesman for AT&T, putting up telephone lines where needed.

 Joe Gabella played a very active role in the community and was considered the “neighborhood” grandfather by many, even though he and Alice did not have any children of there own. He was always concerned that there be a safe place for kids to play in the community thus, he used to mow the lawn down where the Forest Hills Park now lays. His concern for the safety of the children of the community derived from an experience as a child, when he experienced the death of a friend in a swimming accident. Thus, he was particularly interested in having a swimming pool built where children could swim safely.

 When Joe knew that he was dying, he put in a personal request to his wife, Alice. He requested that she give a donation particularly to the swim organization, which was just beginning. Sadly he passed away in October of 1968 at the age of 70, BEFORE the pool was ever completed.

 After his death the neighborhood contributed to a flower fund. It grew to a sizable amount since Joe was very well liked. It was determined that a more appropriate memorial to Joe would be to do something for the Forest Hills Swim Team. Therefore, those that wanted to honor Joe consulted Bill Griffith, the swim team’s first head coach. He came up with the idea for the “Gabella” trophy, which was then selected, purchased and engraved. The award began the year after Joe Gabella passed away – in 1969. 

 It should be noted that Alice Gabella was also a staunch supporter of the programs for children in the Forest Hills community. Alice passed away some years later and in her will she bequeathed a sum of money to the Forest Hills Swim Team and to the recreation board, to be used for the pool facilities.

 Thus, this award is voted on by the swimmers and is given to the girl and boy whom they feel have done the most to assist the coaches, help the swimmers, and generally maintain a “role model” appearance.