Obituary of Joseph Fabian

Joseph C. Fabian passed away peacefully Sunday evening February 7, 2010 in Briody Health Care Facility surrounded by family. Born in Lockport on July 5th, 1921 he was the son of Nicholas and Mary (Haustinik) Fabian. Joseph attended Lockport Senior High School graduating in 1939. He worked at Harrison Radiator Div. GM and was also a US Postal Carrier for 37 years retiring in 1986 and was known along his route for his cheerful whistle which always signaled that day's mail delivery. Joseph served in the US Navy during WWII from 1942 -1945 aboard the USS William P. Biddle in both the European and Asiatic-Pacific Theaters. He was a noted Lockport athlete where among his many athletic achievements, he was best known as Little Joe Fabian with his "educated toe" after kicking the game winning field goal to defeat "Lockport's oldest traditional rival" Niagara Falls High School 3-0 at their home field for the first time in 16 years. Joseph enjoyed family gatherings with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling especially to Las Vegas, early morning coffee with the "guys" at McDonald's. Joseph was an avid sports fan, especially of the Bills, Sabres and Atlanta Braves. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Lorraine in 2007 after 42 years of marriage and his first wife and friend Shirley Casagrande. Joseph was a very loved Dad to his daughter and son in law Susan &amp; John Bernardi of Lockport; Cherished Grandpa to Megan (Tim) Menges and Erik (Michelle) Bernardi all of Lockport; very special "Papa Joe" to his great grandchildren Ethan &amp; Luke Menges and Anthony &amp; Paloma Bernardi. He is also survived by his sister Jennie Denniston, brother in law Walter (Shirley) Thorman, several nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Walter and Alex Fabian. Relatives and friends may call Wednesday 4-7 PM in Prudden &amp; Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday morning at 10 o'clock in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport. Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Sister Helen Food Pantry at St. John's RC Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport, NY 14094 or to a charity of one's choice. Please visit www.pruddenandkandt.com to leave an online condolence to the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> Relatives and friends may call Wednesday 4-7 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. <h3>Services</h3> A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday morning at 10 o'clock in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport. <h3>Interment</h3> Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery.