John Fabina, 95, of Wauwatosa died March 13, 2021. He was born to Nicholas and Anna Fabina
in Johnstown, PA. He met the love of his life in 1953 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage to Charlene. They had five daughters: JoAnn (John) Schultz, Cathi (Tom) Steininger, Barb (Ray) Bohl, Nancy (Mike) Karlman, and the late Carol. He is survived by 8 grandchildren Ellyn, Melissa, Julie, Karla, Monica, Tyler, Scott and Nick as well as their spouses and eight great grandchildren.
He graduated from Milwaukee North Division HS where he was the state tennis champion and all city basketball player. John served in the US Army in the division of Military Intelligence. He studied business at UW Milwaukee where he was president of the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity. John worked as an agent for Mutual of New York for 37 years. He was a registered rep for MONY securities, and Health Legislative Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Milwaukee Assoc. of Life Underwriters and Financial Advisors.
A true competitor, John enjoyed many years of golf, playing well into his 90’s. He was very proud of his 1993 New Berlin Hills golf championship. He would always announce when he was able to shoot below his age. John surprised everyone with 2 holes in one in the same month at the age of 78.
Along with athletics, John had a lifelong passion for music. His beautiful baritone voice made him a valued member of the Jordan Chorale which enabled him to sing in the chorus of many productions with the Florentine Opera Co. John also sang with the Retired Men’s Club of Wauwatosa where he served as Musical Director and Club President. His rich voice and comfort in the spotlight made him a sought-after M.C. and public speaker. Always ready with a joke or a song, he loved to entertain.
John and Char together spent countless hours volunteering. During their daughters’ years at Juneau H.S., they led many fundraisers for the music department and John later became the chairman of the Program Development Committee and Technical Advisory Committee for Juneau Business School. A lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church, John served as Parish Council President as well as Athletic Director, coach and served on many committees.
John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a diehard fan of his family’s accomplishments, no matter how small. John would always be there with congratulations, words of wisdom, a joke to cheer if needed, but most importantly, gather information so he could repeat to everyone he knew. His family wishes to thank his friends for their indulgence.
Private family services will be held with military honors and internment at Wisconsin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Cancer Research Institute.