William "Bill" Joseph Fabiani, Sr.

William (Bill) Joseph Fabiani, Sr., passed away peacefully on September 12, 2019, in the Chattanooga Hospice Care Facility, with his two grandsons, Jason and Michael Mabe by his side.  Bill was a faithful servant, devoted and dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and a friend to all who knew him. Bill was born in Cleveland, Tennessee on July 12, 1927, to immigrant parents Giovanni Fabiani from Rome, Italy and Anna Gera from Siemuszowa, Austria. His parents arrived Ellis Island in May 1903 and settled in Newark, New Jersey.  The family moved to Cleveland in 1915, where Bill’s father was employed as the designer of men’s suits and coats for Hardwick Woolen Mills. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Margaret Fuller Fabiani, son William Jr. and six siblings, Harry, Victor, John, Anna, Frank and May Jane. 

He is survived by his daughter, Gina Knox of Birmingham, grandsons Jason Mabe (Josie) of Ooltewah, Michael Mabe (Laura) of Cleveland and six great grandchildren.  In addition, he leaves behind his sister-in-law Catherine Fuller and numerous nieces, nephews and many other family members.

 After graduating from Bradley High School, he attended UT Knoxville where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1951.  Afterwards, he worked for Bowater Corporation where he spent his entire career and retired after 35 years of service. During his retirement he enjoyed traveling, volunteering at the local library, researching his Italian and Ruthenian family genealogy and watching UT football games.  Bill was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Cleveland for over 55 years. 

In 2014, Bill moved to an assisted living facility, The Bridge in Ooltewah.  He made a lot of friends, participated in group activities and truly enjoyed the time he lived there.  We are very thankful for the staff and residents at The Bridge who helped make this possible and brightened his life.

The family would like to thank special nieces Marcia Cavin, Debra Van Voorst, Leigh Ann Langley-Herkenhoff, Catherine Crawley, nephews Richard and Andrew Breon, and Catherine Fuller for their love, dedication and commitment while overseeing Bill’s care for the past five years.  Thanks to long-time friends Bob and Mary Lou George and Bobby Tippens for always being there for him.  Our heartfelt appreciation to Pastor Robert Seaton, of First Lutheran Church of Cleveland for his monthly visitations, hospital visits and ongoing support and prayers.

We will be forever grateful for Hospice of Chattanooga and their kind and caring team. Bill was especially fond of his Hospice nurse, Melissa Rader, who lovingly gave of herself the last months of his life. Also, our gratitude to the staff of Comprehensive Healthcare Services, especially Peggy Barnes and her daughter, Porsha Barnes for their care giving, love and ability to make Bill smile and laugh during his final days.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 23, 2019 at The First Lutheran Church in Cleveland.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Chattanooga or the First Lutheran Church.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Fabiani family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com