Gabriel Petitolife was honored at a public memorial service on Sunday, September 26th.
Family, close friends and hundreds of mourners gathered in Holbrook, New York to pay their respects to the 22-year-old YouTuber at a funeral that was broadcast live. Several of Gabby’s family members and close friends gave moving speeches during the service, including her father, Joseph Petitowho shared memories in honor of his murdered daughter.
“Gabby is the most amazing person I’ve ever met,” he praised. “Please, boys, be inspired by the way she treated people, all people … She really loved people.”
He added, “When you leave here today, be inspired by what she brought to the table,” and also said, “I couldn’t be more proud as a father.”
Gabby was found dead last weekend at the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming after disappearing after a trip with her fiancé, Brian Landrywhich the authorities are currently looking for.
“If you want to take a trip, do it now,” Gabby’s father said in praise. “Do it now while you have time. If there’s a relationship you’re in, it may not be the best thing for you, leave it now.”
Gabby’s stepfather Jim Schmid, who had traveled to Wyoming to help find her and pay her respects to the spot where her body was found, also spoke at the memorial service. He talks about a tattoo she had on her arm that read “Let It Be,” the title of a famous song by The The Beatles, one of her favorite bands.
“It’s good to grieve for Gabby. It’s good to feel sad and in pain,” he said. “But we also want to celebrate her and how she lived her life. We have to keep all these wonderful memories we shared with her, because that will be the answer. Let it be so.”
Instead of flowers, Petito’s family wants donations for a foundation they plan to launch in her name.