Gabriel Whiting Shanok died on Nov. 28 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following complications from cardiac arrest nearly three months ago. He was 38 and was the loving son of Susan and William Shanok of Chilmark and New York city, the beloved brother of Sarah and Tovah Shanok of New York and Victoria Shanok Dolan, brother in law of William Dolan, and uncle of Emma, Kate and Will Dolan, all of Hingham.

Gabriel was born on Feb. 5, 1972. During his brief life he had many friends from all walks of life whom he loved and protected with granite grace. He was always caring, loving and helping others. When they made him they broke the mold.

Gabriel collapsed at home on the Vineyard on Sept. 2, suffering cardiac arrest, and was resuscitated by the EMTs. He was then transported to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and airlifted to the Massachusetts General Hospital. Shortly thereafter, he experienced a second cardiac arrest and was again resuscitated. For the next 88 days, he put up a valiant fight for life, with his loving family surrounding him. But as weeks, then months passed, all of his organs were so compromised that he began to lose the battle.

He died peacefully, knowing he was much loved. We are left with our memories, but also with the spirit being triumphant in the body’s fall, and how we must learn to recognize the absence of the body and praise the presence of what is left behind.

Life must pass through difficulty in order to achieve any modicum of beauty. Gabriel’s brain was donated to the Tourette Syndrome Association for research. His body was cremated and a memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date.

The Shanok and Dolan families greatly appreciate and value the services of the Oak Bluffs EMTs, the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and the Massachusetts General Hospital where his care was outstanding in every way. All who were involved in his care went above and beyond all expectations.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tourette Syndrome Association, 42-40 Bell Blvd. Bayside, NY 11361-2820, or to the Oak Bluffs Ambulance Association at P.O. Box 1327, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, or to your local EMT organization or town fire department.