Patrick E. Cabala February 10, 1931 – May 01, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card Patrick Edward Cabala passed away peacefully, while surrounded by his family on 5/1/2019. Born on February 10, 1931 to Anton Cabala & Mary Zondlak Cabala. He was the ninth of eleven children, raised on a farm in Midland, MI during the Great Depression.
Pat was a 1949 graduate of Midland HS. After graduating, he began his career working at the Midland A&P. It is here he learned the secrets of the grocery business by taking coffee breaks with the other managers.
This was where he became a great listener. In 1952 he borrowed $800 from his mother for inventory and opened his first store on Eastman road in Midland MI. In 1955 Pat moved to Freeland starting Pat’s Food Center, where he lived and slept for over 2 years being woken daily my the milk man.
Pat was a true entrepreneur at heart. He opened many business during his life, including 3 Restaurants, 3 Grocery stores, 4 Laundromats, 5 Dry Cleaners, and an amusement park. Pat enjoyed the thrill of a gamble.
He would bet with people on any type of an event from a golf game to cards at Rodeitchers, or the weekly sporting event. In 1956 while at the local Shamrock dance hall he took on his greatest gamble and asked Sarah Brubaker to dance – She accepted. Pat and Sarah both loved to dance and fell in love.
They were married in 1959 and recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. In addition to his wife Sarah, he is also survived by his 5 children: Patricia (Tom) Galbraith of Freeland; Stanley (Melissa) of Shields; Anthony of Freeland; Joel (Kelly) of Midland, & Stephanie (Adam) Schubel of Pelston, Mi. 9 Grandchildren: Travis (Kara) Galbraith of Freeland; Jordan (Hannah) Galbraith of New York, NY; Ryan Galbraith of Fruitport, MI; Spencer Cabala of Denver, CO; Sarah Jane Cabala of Shields; Theo Galbraith of Freeland; Trenton Cabala of Midland; Josephine & Kruz Cabala of Midland.
1 Great grandchild Thomas Wayne. His sister Agnes (Hank) Kowal of Reno Nevada and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and 9 siblings.
Besides Pat’s family, his faith and business were of utmost importance to him. His dedication to his community included being in the Freeland Lions Club and giving generously to any event presented to him in the community. He was a lifelong member of St. Agnes Parish.
Pat’s quiet disposition was always pleasant, he spoke few words, “I learn more by listening,” Pat would say. Pat’s words were always able to provoke you to think. Pat knew the Lord and has received his new heavenly body.
He is with his family in heaven where there is no pain or suffering, only joy forever more. The Cabala Family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Barton Woods. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday May 3, 2019 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Freeland.
Rev. Fr. Robert Byrnes will officiate.
Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Mausoleum, Freeland. Friends may call at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 300 Johnson St., Freeland on Thursday from 3:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. A prayer vigil will take place 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at church.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Agnes Catholic Church, Freeland, Freeland Lions Club or the donor’s favorite charity. Arrangements by the Cunningham/Taylor Funeral Home, 310 E. Washington St., Freeland, MI.
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