Richard Frank Fabiano

Richard Frank Fabiano of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Mary Jane (Sowle) Fabiano, who passed away on January 22, 2022. A proud Army veteran, respected community leader, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Richard lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love. Born on December 10, 1940, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Richard was the son of Erdene Eureta (Smith) and Joseph Ralph Fabiano Sr. He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1959, earning an extraordinary 12 varsity letters. A gifted athlete, he held the school record in the 100-yard dash (10.3 seconds) for over two decades, was part of the record-setting 880-yard relay team, and earned all-conference honors as a high jumper and football end. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Sacred Heart Academy Hall of Fame on October 2, 2009. Richard earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Central Michigan University, where he also participated in ROTC. While in college, he earned his pilot's license and co-founded the Flying Chips, CMU's first flying club—sparking a lifelong love of flying and airplanes. Following graduation, Richard was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He served as a First Lieutenant in Troop D, 10th Cavalry (Recon), 1st U.S. Army from March 4, 1964, to March 3, 1966. His military specialty was Armored Reconnaissance Unit Commander (MOS 1204), and he was awarded the Expert Badge with Pistol Bar for marksmanship. Richard was deeply committed to community service. He held several leadership roles with the Grand Rapids Jaycees, including Treasurer, President, and Chairman of the Board. He was also a longtime member of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in Grand Rapids, serving as president and organizing the city's beloved Festa Italiana for many years. Above all, Richard cherished his family. He and Mary Jane were married on August 25, 1962, and built a life filled with love, faith, and enduring values. He is survived by three of his four loving children: Laura Marie Fabiano, Andrew Harold (Michelle) Fabiano, and Kristen Leigh Fabiano (Kevin Pasko). He is preceded in death by his eldest son, Mark Richard (Sarah) Fabiano. He leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren: Samuel Richard Fabiano and Adam Fabiano Paré (Laura), Tommie Michelle Fabiano and Samantha Lee Fabiano (Mark), Alex Andrew Fabiano, Emma Michelle Fabiano, Evan Andrew Fabiano, and Seth Andrew Fabiano (Andrew), and Willow Beth Pasko and Noah Fabiano Pasko (Kristen). Richard is also survived by his brother James C. Fabiano Sr. (Evangeline). He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Ralph Fabiano Sr. and Erdene Eureta (Smith) Fabiano; his sister Mary Lou Claire and brother-in-law John Claire; his brother Joseph Fabiano; and his sister Joann Fabiano. He is also survived by many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family who brought him great joy throughout his life. Richard was especially close to his wife Mary Jane's family, the Sowles, and cherished the bond he shared with Tom and Ginny Sowle, Dave and Joy Sowle, Jack and Judy Sowle, Suzanne (Sowle) and George Fisher, Jennifer Sowle (Doreen), and Colleen (Sowle) and Michael Wolfe. Richard will be remembered for his quiet strength, adventurous spirit, unwavering integrity, and deep devotion to family, country, and community. He lived a life of humility and purpose—a legacy that lives on in those who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, with visitation one hour prior. Immediately following the Mass, burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. A graveside ceremony will be held for both Richard and his wife, Mary Jane, as their combined ashes will be interred on what would have been their 63rd wedding anniversary.