Gabriel Gailen Trautman
October 24, 1994 ~ July 23, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, Gabriel (Gabe) Gailen Trautman, on July 23, 2025.
A charming, beautiful, and gifted artist, Gabe was known for his wit, his megawatt smile, and his facility for making others feel valued. He loved to talk, carrying on conversations with his family and friends for hours on end.
Gabe was a graduate of the University of Vermont (2017), Waynflete School (2013), and Breakwater School.
A man of many talents, he worked as a product photographer for many of the cannabis growers and retailers in Maine, taking stunningly detailed photos of plants and products and creating posters and graphics for events and packaging. Other subjects he loved to photograph were nature, streetlife, and classic cars. He had been creating music for a long time and had recently begun working as a DJ. He loved trying to expand the boundaries of the craft.
Gabe was a funny, creative, and caring man. He loved dogs, especially his childhood best friend “Lewis”, and his life companion “Fin”. Born in Lewisville, Texas, he was adopted at three months by his loving parents. They brought him to their home in Brooklyn, NY, where they lived until 1998, when the happy family moved to Portland, Maine. Gabe had an idyllic childhood, traveling often with his parents when their work took them to far-flung places, including Alaska, Japan, France, and Italy. He saw much of the US and traveled for a time with the Big Apple Circus. Spending his junior year of high school in Rennes, France, he became fluent in French and a committed Francophile.
Gabe is survived by his parents, Judy Gailen and Michael Trautman, as well as an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, a devoted family of friends, and his dog Fin.
When you are in pain, tell someone.
When you are overwhelmed, ask for help.
When someone offers help or understanding, accept it without shame.
Be human. Be humble. Be kind.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, we urge you to donate to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland: https://arlgp.org/donate/make-a-donation/ or 988Lifeline:https://988lifeline.org/donate/
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Gabriel Gailen Trautman 's name.
988 Lifeline
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
P.O. Box 336
Westbrook, ,
ME
04098
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Judy, Michael, there are words or sentiment I can express that sees my dear boy of you both, this you lost your son , the world lost the advent of a new dawn with such a sun to shine once more. We’ll meet again my dear st smother breakwater happy day. In another paradigm with the bright of your melodic voice was a very well kept secret heavens wanted you back way too soon but you’ll sing a song to the creator, Gabriel thank too for thr privilege it bring your teacher . With deepest sorrow jake Philipe Brooks aka Orlado breakwatern, 96-07 the happy years
Please know that you’re in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Sending all kinds of love to Judy and Michael in the wake of the loss of their beautiful son. We remember Gabe so fondly.
Deepest condolences to Judy and Michael after the loss of their beloved Gabe. And much, much love,
Louie, Charlotte and Teddy
Thinking of you and sending love. My deepest condolences to you ❤️
Holding Gabe in our hearts and wrapping you both in love and bright light. Jason & Lauren
I am deeply sorry for your unimaginable loss. Gabe was a thoughtful, smart, curious and fun student at Breakwater. May your fond memories of Gabe carry you through this difficult time. My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. ❤️
Dear Judy and Michael. Our hearts ache for you. Remembering Gabe, so full of life and hijinx in his Breakwater days, and sharing the path of adoption with you. Thank you for reaching out and sharing the sad news. May he rest in peace.
Sending condolences to this lovely, creative and compassionate family. I am so very sad to read of his passing.
Holding you and your family and community in my thought and heart and prayers. My light perpetual shine upon Gabriel. And may his memory be a blessing. Always.
Eva, Bruce, Adela, and Daniel
My heart aches for you all–I remember Gabe from my Breakwater days as a funny, creative young man whose energy and smile lit up the room. My thoughts and prayers are with you both at this most difficult of times.
Judy and Michael, It breaks my heart to hear this. While each life and passing is different know that every life for as long or short as it may be is a gift. Breath deep.
Sending much love to you both.
Dear old friends:
So sorry for your loss. We hold our kids so close; as if we could keep them forever. But some are only ours for a time. Hold on to the memories and the love your son returned in kind…
Be well.
We are so sorry, Judy and Michael. Thinking of you at this time with love, Linda Shary & Jeff Logan
I am so sorry, Judy and Michael. I can only wish that peace will come to you eventually.
Judy, I’m so sorry for your incredible loss. It sounds like Gabriel was so lovely. May his memory be for a blessing.
Deeply sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you both.
and may Gabe sleep in peace
Dear Judy and Michael, I am so sorry to hear of your devastating loss. I pray you can find solace and peace and support of family and friends. May Gabe’s memory be a blessing.
Michael and Judy you are such special people and Gabe was an amazing young man. In the midst of this unbearable sadness we hope that the love that we and so many others are sending can help in some small way. Wendy & Justin
Dear Judy and Michael, I was saddened to hear of your loss. May the love and support of family and friends sustain you and keep the memory of your dear son Gabe forever in your hearts.
Michael, so sorry to learn of the passing of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers for your well being and peace of mind.
There are no words. I’m heartbroken for you.
I’d like to extend my deepest love and condolences from me and my parents, Charlotte Witt and Mark Okrent. I cannot imagine the pain and devastation you are feeling after such an amazing person has left us—I hope you know that Gabe had such a profound impact on my life from an extremely early age, he made me laugh and I always felt more than welcome in your home during my childhood. He made me feel safe and like I had a true friend.
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Words fail me. My deepest condolences to you.
Please know that my heart and Betty’s heart are both with you in this indescribable loss. I look at Gabe’s smile and I can make my heart light up and it can also create an empty place, knowing it’s no longer there. I look forward to a time when we can speak together about this tragic event.
Love,
Dana and Betty Nicolay
There are so few words for such a loss as you are experiencing. In time, may you find peace and joy in the memories of all you shared with Gabe. Thinking of you and sending love.
Even though kindergarten seems so distant a memory, I clearly remember the bright light of wonder in Gabe’s eyes, the light of possibilities.
As a former teacher I feel a profound loss and sadness. However, I can’t imagine the depths of your loss. I will hold you in my heart as navigate and endeavor to cope. 🙏❤️
May your loving and creative spirits be
blessed by the memory of a loving and creative son.
For now and for always.
With deepest condolences,
C and D
Love, lauren
So very sorry to hear this. Time will give you the strength to persevere.
My love to you both.
Much Love, Stephen
Judy & Michael-we were heartbroken to learn about Gabe.
I can honestly picture his sweet smile and disposition. We’r so sorry for what you must be going through and we will be holding you both, and Gabe in our hearts. ❤️
Liz, Tom, Maddy & Lucy Crane
sending my warm love to you both in this cold dark time.
I had a first hand, front row view of just a few of the many stages of Gabe’s evolution, from a charismatic student at Breakwater, to a talented, young man at Waynflete. Thank you for sharing yourselves as you have. Thank you for bringing Gabe into the lives of so many appreciative friends, fellow students and their parents. You two, loving, caring parents, so vulnerable. It’s an incomparable ache, we feel.
Gabe was one of my son Steve’s very best friend — a constant source of kindness, encouragement, and laughter in his life. We are deeply grateful for the way Gabe showed up for Steve through every season, always with generosity and a listening ear. His warmth, humor, and caring spirit touched not just Steve’s heart, but our whole family’s. We will remember him with love and gratitude always.