Delaware Valley Engineers Week Council

Michael J. Gabor, PE, Vice President of Marine Engineering for Urban Engineers, Inc., has over 43 years of professional experience. He has extensive marine infrastructure experience, including project work for such organizations as the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, the Delaware River Port Authority, the South Jersey Port Corporation, the City of Philadelphia, the Delaware River & Bay Authority, the City of Wilmington, the Schuylkill River Development Corporation, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, National Gypsum, Conrail, Sun Oil, Coastal Refinery, US Steel, ST Services, Dependable Distribution, and others.

Mike obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1961 from The Pennsylvania State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania. His experience includes participating as a project engineer, superintendent, and manager of the construction and/or maintenance of virtually every pier facility on the Delaware River and Bay and the Schuylkill River.

Mike participated in construction of the Packer Avenue and Tioga Marine Terminals, and the installation of deep foundations for oil refineries and oil storage facilities on both sides of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.

When expert advice was needed by the City of Philadelphia after the collapse of Pier 34 South, Mike oversaw a study to determine the condition of the remainder of Pier 34. On two occasions, he provided testimony to the Grand Jury concerning the temporary support endeavor, events leading up to the collapse, and the probable cause of the collapse.

Mike’s services have been employed at the former Philadelphia Navy Yard and his expertise has been important to the success of the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal, Bartram’s Gardens, and Historic Fort Mifflin on the Delaware.

During Mike’s employment with the J.E. Brenneman Company, he participated in construction of underground pipe facilities for a 500,000 gallon water tank in Wildwood, New Jersey; sewers in Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia; and underground drainage facilities associated with construction of the Betsy Ross Bridge approaches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Commodore Barry Bridge approach interchange in New Jersey, the I-95 Spring Garden Street Bridge, the Southeast Sewage Treatment Plant, and the Publicker Facility on Delaware Avenue.

As a result of this long exposure to the marine facilities of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, few if any individuals are as knowledgeable about port facilities in Philadelphia as is Mike.

While with the Pennsylvania Department of Highways (now PennDOT), Mike was the project engineer for construction of a portion of the Blue Route/Schuylkill Expressway Interchange and the 1200’ long Twin Bridge, Blue Route crossing of the Schuylkill River.

Four times a year, Mike publishes his Tide Card Letter for use by Delaware Valley maritime interests.

“Since 2002, he has been on the Board of Directors, Seamen's Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey. He was instrumental in guiding SCI's transition from its 3rd and Arch Streets headquarters to the current location on North 5th Street. He oversaw the construction project for the new Center. In June 2006, he assumed the presidency of SCI's Board and has worked tirelessly on the planning of the new Chapel of the Redeemer project slated for construction inside the Center in early 2008 - chairing the Facilities Planning Committee and serving on the Capital Campaign Committee. In his unassuming way, he brings his boundless professional expertise to each and every enterprise. Seemingly there is no challenge too great for Mike to tackle. That has been a great gift to me, my staff and the whole SCI organization.”
The Rev. James D. Von Dreele, CEO/Executive Director, Seamen's Church Institute of Philadelphia & South Jersey

In addition to his involvement on the Board of Directors of the Maritime Academy Charter School, Mike is Chair of the school’s Facilities Committee. The school was established to capitalize on the resources in the city to expose students to opportunities offered by the Philadelphia waterways for careers, leisure, and study.

Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation – Member of the Board of Directors

Philadelphia City Sail, Inc. – On a pro bono basis, Mike is currently searching for a new gangway for the City Sail boat. City Sail is a non-profit educational organization with a focus on economically disadvantaged youth in the Delaware Valley. Hands-on learning is offered in science, math, the environment, and maritime trades.

Bartrams’ Gardens – Mike designed the new berthing facility for their ferry and other vessels. Bartram's Garden is a Fairmount Park property operated by the John Bartram Association in cooperation with the Fairmount Park Commission.

Merchant Marine Veterans of America – Mike was recognized for his participation on the Monument Planning Committee for the “Propeller Monument” honoring Merchant Marines and the Navy Army Guard.

Independence Seaport Museum – Mike helped establish an annual endowment fund that gives free family membership to the museum and provides additional dollars so that the families can participate in other activities sponsored by the museum.

Delaware Avenue Clean-Up – Mike organizes Urban Engineers’ participation in the semi-annual “Trash Pick up Day” on Allegheny and Delaware Avenues.

Boy Scouts of America – Mike established the “Scout Mariner Award,” which is presented to a scout who has served the community through his interest in the maritime industry. In 2001, the Scout Mariner Award was presented to Mike by the Scouts at a special luncheon.