Edward L. Fabrizio passed away peacefully on November 11, 2023 following a period of declining health, just weeks after the passing of his beloved wife, Mary. He was 91 years old.
Edward was born on October 19,1932. He was raised on the North Side of Endicott, New York where he met the future love of his life, Mary, at the age of 9. He graduated from Union-Endicott High School and Broome Community College. He served in the New York State National Guard as a young adult and dedicated decades to a career at IBM.
Edward and Mary married on June 26,1954. Together, they lovingly raised their family in their West Endicott home. He was a devoted, dutiful provider for his family, priding himself on the care he took of his wife, children, and grandchildren. Even as his children moved into their own homes, he selflessly offered his time to help with moving, plumbing, electrical, painting, and building. He was a jack of all trades and was always delighted to help his children, or anyone, who needed it.
Upon retiring from IBM, Edward assumed a new role: full-time grandfather. He and Mary took joy in providing daily childcare for their three grandchildren. Showing and teaching them about his many talents and interests, taking them on special outings, and attending their school events made him beam with pleasure and pride.
Edward was a life-long, avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and taking walks to observe nature. He refined the skill of tying his own flies for fishing, and for many years, spent hours on the water fishing in his bass boat. He developed an interest in and talent for woodcarving, creating intricately detailed replicas of birds and woodland creatures. He appreciated his time as a member of the Catatonk Valley Woodcarvers Club.
Edward enjoyed traveling with his family throughout the years, and road trips to the state of Maine were a favorite journey. While his grandchildren were growing up, the entire family reunited for an annual week-long trip to the Maine beach. His family will forever treasure the memories they created together.
Edward is predeceased by his wife and true love, Mary; his parents, Louis and Louisa Fabrizio; and brothers, Ernest Fabrizio and Joseph Fabrizio; brothers-in-law Monsignor Rev. John Opalenick, Joseph Opalenick, and Vincent Colonna; and sister-in-law, Fannie Fabrizio. He is survived by his children, Bernadette Fabrizio of Endicott, N.Y., Mary Lou Dionne-Fabrizio (Carole) of Wells, ME., Ann Marie Smith (Randy) of Phoenix, AZ., and Edward Fabrizio (Jami) of Endicott, N.Y; and his grandchildren, Damon Smith of Phoenix, AZ, and Julianna and Eddie Fabrizio of Endicott, NY. He is also survived by his sister Palma Colonna and brother Mario Fabrizio (Aggie) of Endicott, N.Y.; brother- and sister- in-law, Peter and Jane Opalenick of Nichols, N.Y.; sisters-in-law, Mary Opalenick of Spencerport, N.Y. and Filomena Fabrizio of Aledo, TX, and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday 1 pm at St. Ambrose Church, 203 Washington Avenue, Endicott. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends Thursday at church from 12 pm until Mass time at 1 pm.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate care Edward received by the staff at Wilson Memorial Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit at Binghamton General Hospital.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family at www.allenmemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution made to UHS Palliative Medicine Services,10-42 Mitchell Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13903.