Gabriel Christian Pramik

Gabriel Christian Pramik, known to his family and friends as Gabe, passed away unexpectedly on October 24, 2026, at the age of 39. Born on September 26, 1987, in Barberton, Ohio, Gabe lived a life defined by service, determination, adventure, friendship, family, and love.

A beloved son, father, brother, cousin, and friend, Gabe devoted 20 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Navy. His career took him around the world, introduced him to friendships that became family, and gave him countless experiences and accomplishments of which he and his family were incredibly proud.

Gabe will be remembered for his sweet heart, unmistakable laugh, wonderful sense of humor, and ability to make those around him smile. He had a way of bringing laughter into a room, and the memories and stories he leaves behind will continue to bring smiles for years to come.

Gabe enlisted in the United States Navy in August 2006, shortly after graduating from Marlington High School. He initially pursued his ambition of becoming a Navy SEAL before finding his calling in naval aviation; as an Aviation Naval Aircrewman and search and rescue swimmer aboard helicopters. Gabe completed multiple deployments, his military career was marked by determination, perseverance, courage, and pride in serving his country.

In February 2013, Gabe married Taylor Pramik. Along with their daughter, Kennidy, their family's Navy journey took them to Yokosuka, Japan, where they spent three years and welcomed their son, Jameson.

While serving on shore duty in Japan, Gabe continued pursuing his education, earning his bachelor's degree through the University of Maryland University College. Never one to stop challenging himself, he worked toward another lifelong goal: becoming a naval officer and pilot.

In August 2016, he successfully completed Officer Candidate School and earned his commission, marking an important turning point in a career he had worked so hard to build.

Flight training brought Gabe and his family to Pensacola, Florida, with VT-6, then to Corpus Christi, Texas, with VT-35, and eventually to Jacksonville, Florida. There, he trained with VP-30 before joining VP-8 as a P-8A Poseidon pilot. His time with VP-8 held a particularly special place in Gabe's heart. Deployments to Bahrain and Japan provided opportunities to lead his flight crews with dignity, perseverance, and pride. More importantly, those experiences brought friendships that became some of the most meaningful relationships of his life. The men and women he served alongside were more than fellow service members; they became family, sharing experiences, adventures, and memories that would remain among his most treasured accomplishments.

On January 23, 2023, Gabe flew his final P-8A Poseidon flight before moving to VUP-19, where he continued his service and leadership within the naval aviation community. In October 2026, he transferred to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven as he prepared to retire following two decades of dedicated Navy service. Gabe was incredibly proud of his Navy career, and his family was equally proud of him. Those who knew him often heard about his accomplishments and the incredible Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft he had the privilege of flying. His service was not simply a career; it was a defining part of who he was.

As much as Gabe loved his country, his career, and flying, nothing compared to the love he had for his children, Kennidy Pramik and Jameson Pramik. They were his world, his greatest pride, and the reason he looked forward to the next chapter of his life. After 20 years of service, Gabe was eagerly anticipating retirement and the opportunity to spend more time with them. He dreamed of teaching Jameson to fish and safely shoot rifles, and being Kennidy's shopping partner in crime. The thought of someday walking his daughter down the aisle was enough to bring tears to his eyes.

The rescue swimmer in him was determined that both children would learn to swim almost before they could walk. As they grew, he shared his Christian faith with them and worked to instill the values he hoped would guide them throughout their lives.

Gabe also cherished the special place Lucas and Ayden, Ivory's children, held in his life. They were part of the family and the relationships he valued, and they, too, will carry memories of the time they shared with him.

Retirement was supposed to be the beginning of more fishing trips, shopping adventures, everyday moments, and memories with the children he loved so deeply. It is heartbreaking that he will not get to experience all the moments he had been looking forward to, but the love he gave them will remain with them always.

Family was always at the center of Gabe's life.

Growing up, Gabe and his brothers, Vince and Kevin Patrick (KP), shared an especially close bond with their cousins. What began as a family brought together through tragedy became a lifelong brotherhood.

After the heartbreaking loss of their mother, Rhonda Vincent, at a young age, Vince, Gabe, and KP became an even bigger part of their extended family's lives. Their cousins grew up alongside them, and six boys, all close in age, spent countless weekends together. They got into trouble, laughed, and created memories that would last a lifetime.

Those years were especially meaningful during high school, when Gabe, Vince, Dallas, and Beau were practically inseparable. If you knew one, you knew the others. They were always together, sharing adventures, jokes, and memories that will continue to bring laughter for decades to come.

Anyone who knew Gabe knew how much he loved to laugh and joke around. His laugh was unforgettable, and his sweet heart made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. There are childhood stories that will undoubtedly still have his family laughing 30 years from now.

As the years passed and life took everyone in different directions, the miles between them never changed the bond they shared. Whether near or far, the love remained. Gabe was an irreplaceable part of a family whose memories together will never fade.

Gabe is survived by his father, Kevin Pramik, and step-mother Ruth Pramik; his brother, Vince Pramik, and sister-in-law, Erica; and his brother, Kevin Patrick Pramik. He leaves behind his beloved children, daughter Kennidy Pramik and son Jameson Pramik; his former wife, Taylor Pramik; and his girlfriend, Ivory Bernal and her children Lucas and Ayden; He is also survived by his nephews, Vinny, Rowan, and Liam, and his niece, Vivian, who brought joy to his life and whose memories of Gabe will be treasured. His extended family includes his uncle Patrick Pramik and aunt Judy; his aunts Suzanne Morrison, Nanette Caynor, and Rebecca Dallas; and his uncle Bryan Vincent. Gabe will also be lovingly remembered by his cousins Beau Vincent and his wife, Kriston; Dallas Vincent and his wife, Chelsea; Dillon Vincent; BryAnna Semple and her husband, Jordan; Jenna Powell; Ross Caynor; and Dakota Caynor.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rhonda Vincent; his paternal grandparents, Rudy Pramik and Loraine; and his maternal grandparents, Ronald Vincent and Gerri.

Gabe's unexpected passing leaves behind a tremendous void in the lives of his children, his father, his brothers, his extended family, his friends, and the many people who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted." Though we may never fully understand why life unfolds as it does, we find comfort in our faith, in one another, and in the memories that death can never take away.

Gabe leaves behind a legacy of service, achievement, friendship, brotherhood, faith, and unconditional love. He was a proud Navy veteran, a devoted father, a loving son and brother, and a cousin who was loved like a brother. His life carried him around the world, but his heart always belonged to the people he loved.

Twenty years of service to our country. A lifetime of laughter and memories. A father's love that will never end.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

May Gabe's memory remain a source of comfort to his family and friends, and may he always be remembered with love.