Obituary of Stephen Michael Gawel

Stephen "Asbury Mike" M. Gawel, of Asbury, NJ, passed away Friday, April 26, 2024, at home with his wife by his side.  Born August 1, 1944 in Pottsville, PA, he was the son of the late Steven Gawel and the late Emily (nee Rosinavage) Gawel.

Mike grew up in Hillside, New Jersey, graduating from Hillside High School.  After graduation, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served his country for three years. He went on to work as an installer of overhead doors.  After many years, he became a salesman for Door Works Inc. located in Garwood, NJ for fifty-three years.  He married the love of his life, Dottie, on May 27, 1967. After they married, Mike and Dottie moved to Rahway, NJ, and eventually to Asbury, NJ. They were blessed with fifty-seven years of wonderful marriage.

Affectionately known to friends as "Asbury Mike", he could often be found in his free time hunting and other farmland activities.  Mike was an active and proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as the Commander of VFW Post 5119, in Glen Gardner for five years. Above all, Mike loved spending time with Dottie, creating precious memories together.

Mike will be forever missed by his wife, Dorothy "Dottie" (nee Petrien) Gawel; goddaughter, Holly Ann Crowe; godson, Richard Ryan; brother-in-law, Michael Petrien and his wife Frances; and his nieces, Michelle Petrien-Nuzzo and Nicole Archibald.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's name may be made to Common Sense For Animals in Stewartsville, NJ.

All services will be held privately in accordance with his wishes. A memorial for Mike’s life will be held at a later date.