Memorial Bench for John Gabay

On August 31, 2022, we lost our beloved John Gabay. John was a resident and business owner in the Pier Bowl of San Clemente for over 45 years. He ran the Beachcomber Motel with his lifelong friend and mother of his four children, Karen, for 33 years before opening the Oceanfront Hacienda in 2013. John loved San Clemente and put his whole heart into his businesses, making sure that they were well cared for and full of character. His creativity and the pride that he took in making sure his properties were well-maintained and beautiful helped to add to the unique charm of downtown San Clemente.

John will live forever in our hearts and his legacy will carry on through his Hacienda and through his children. In his honor, we’re planning to place a memorial statue in front of John's Hacienda and, once the perfect location becomes available, we're also going to dedicate a memorial bench to John in the Pier Bowl area. These will be places where those who knew and loved John can go to “visit” him. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the fund for these gifts for John - gifts from the people and the community that he loved so dearly.

(Although there is not currently a bench available in an appropriate location to dedicate to John, funds for the bench will be held onto until the perfect location becomes available.)

We deeply appreciate your continued love and support. Thank you.