Albert Fabian

THE Mr. Albert Eldon Fabian, 97, a consummate Southern gentlemen, passed away on October 28, 2016 at home.  He was born on May 31, 1919 to Herbert and Julia Fabian, in Orangeburg, SC where he lived until age 12, when his family moved to Atlanta, GA.   Al was the seventh of nine children.

Mr. Fabian graduated from the University of Georgia in 1941 and began his fifty-six-year career in law with The Hartford in August of the same year.  Subsequently, he earned his master's degree in law from the Atlanta Law School.  He was licensed in Georgia and South Carolina.  The only interruption in Al's career extended from December 1942 to March 1946, when he served on the USS Nimoco during World War II, where the Captain dubbed him "Morale Officer"!  Al laughed easily, made it fun to be in his company, and lived a grateful life to the fullest.  His youthful energy and spirit were embodied in the sports cars he drove throughout his life, from Firebird to Mustang to the "Z", his beloved BMW Z3.

As an avid Georgia Bulldog fan, Mr. Fabian cheered "Go Dawgs" any time the Dogs were on the field. He surrounded himself with Bulldog artifacts and many images of UGA, the Bulldog mascot, in his memorable "Dawg" room or "Al's Spot".

Mr. Fabian was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church where, with his signature smile, he ushered for twelve years and welcomed parishioners to worship. As a volunteer with the Mayo Clinic, that same gentle and reassuring smile greeted Mayo patients and employees every Wednesday during his 3,000+ hours of service.   Al attributed his longevity to exercise, healthy diet, and a happy home.

Al's favorite creative hobby was cooking, which he enjoyed until he became ill at the end of June. Affectionately called the "Food and Beverage Director" of the household, family and friends will attest to the many beautiful dinners he served with style and grace.

Further afield, Al reveled in international travel, where he experienced wonders of the world such as the great pyramids of Egypt, Christ's birthplace in the Holy Land, the temples of Greece, and nature's splendor manifested in such sights as the island of Tahiti and the glaciers of Alaska. He particularly enjoyed cruising, where, on formal nights, he could don a tuxedo and dress to the nines.

Mr. Fabian is survived by his loving wife and soul mate, Gloria; brother Leonard Fabian of Atlanta; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joseph Kania (Dianne), Maryann Lalumiere (Richard), Pamela Dion (David) and James Kania; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and dear friends he often called Brother. He is predeceased by his parents, and seven brothers and sisters.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thurs. November 10th at Holy Family Catholic Church at 9800 Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville with Reverend Tim Cusick as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.

Mr. Fabian took great pleasure and delight in the unconditional love and antics of his feline companions.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Jacksonville Humane Society, a no-kill shelter at 8464 Beach Blvd, or to The Kidney Foundation.