Dr. Gilbert Cabel, 56, a medical doctor devoted to aiding the disadvantaged in Chicago and in his homeland, the Philippines, died of a heart attack in his home in Palos Heights on Sunday, June 23. Dr. Cabel’s parents were landowners who treated their tenants with respect and gave financial assistance whenever possible, said his sister. This set an example for the children in the family, she said. Dr. Cabel specialized in ear, nose and throat medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and then moved to the United States in 1971 where he studied briefly at Harvard. He had a residency at Hines VA Hospital near Maywood and then taught related courses at Loyola University. He practiced medicine at multiple offices, but he preferred working with low-income patients in Oak Lawn. “When he died, his patients called, crying,” said his sister Gervasia. “He bonded with them. He cared about their sickness but also about their family.” Dr. Cabel used his success in the United States to help establish learning centers for children in his hometown. In addition to his sister, he is survived by another sister, Dolores; and two brothers, Faustino and Orlando. Visitation will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 9343 S. Francisco Ave., Evergreen Park.
