Henry George 'Hank' Fabrey, 666 South 2nd Street, Sharpsville, passed away peacefully Friday morning (5-29-09) at his residence. He was 85.
He was born in Sharon on April 7, 1924 to George and Elizabeth Schumacher Fabrey.
Hank, as he was known by his close friends and family, was a lifelong area resident and belonged to St. Joseph Church, Sharon, where he had served for many years as an usher at the 10:00 am mass.
A decorated veteran of WWII, he served with the United States Marine Corp. During his tour of duty, he served with the 1st Marine Division with 'Gung-Ho' Carlson's Raiders in the South Pacific invasions at Guadalcanal, Kwajalein, and in other pacific island battles. He was wounded in combat and was honorably discharged in 1945 with numerous battle ribbons and citations including the Purple Heart and WWII victory medal. He was a Past Commander of the Marine Corp League, and the District 1 Commission.
Hank was employed at former Sharon Transformer division of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation for 41 years as a chief plant steward. He served numerous terms as AFL-CIO Union President, and the Central Labor Council and National AFL-CIO.
After retiring from Westinghouse, he served in the Mercer County Courts for President Judge Francis J. Fornelli form 1987 to 2008.
Henry was well known for his excellent home canned vegetables which he grew and shared with his family and friends yearly. He enjoyed ethnic music and polkas.
Henry always had a smile and a humorous comment for all he met no matter what the situation.
His wife, the former Lillian Dyll, whom he married August 23, 1947, survives at the residence.
He also leaves a son Henry Fabrey II, at home; five sisters, Ann Fruit, Vancouver Canada; Frances Capson and her husband John, Farrell, Eva Buzzeo and her husband Michael, and Rose Antonino and her husband John, all Hermitage, Betty Lou Bochert, Florida. He also will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Joseph and George Fabrey, three sisters, Evelyn Kubisch, Elizabeth Cagigas, and Catherine Mazza.
Calling hours: 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday (5-31-09) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.
Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday (6-1-09) in St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave. Sharon, with Rev. Glenn R. Whitman, pastor as the celebrant.
Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage with full military honors provided by the Sharon Honor Guard.