Thomas Allen Fabyanic
December 25, 1934 ~ May 4, 2021
Thomas Allen Fabyanic of Marshall, VA passed away peacefully May 4, 2021 in Tampa, FL. He was born December 25, 1934 in Braddock, PA to the late Albert R. and Helen B. (Harcarik) Fabyanic. His life was devoted to God, family, and country,and he served them all well.
Tom was the eldest son of thirteen children and took this responsibility seriously. When his father passed away unexpectedly in 1953, Tom left college and returned home to help support the family. He worked in the local mill until joining the Air Force to further his education and support his mother and siblings.
Little did he know this would become a career spanning twenty-seven years. Tom trained as a pilot and flew F4 Phantom Jets during two tours in Vietnam. He earned a PhD in History with an emphasis on military history at St. Louis University in 1973 and went on to teach it at Columbia University, the Air Force Academy, Air War College,and the University of South Florida.
Tom earned more than a dozen commendations and medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1970; The Air Medal, First thru Twelfth Oak Leaf Cluster,in 1971; and the Legion of Merit in 1981. He retired as a Colonel in 1981.
In 1986, he moved his family to northern Virginia where he spent the next thirty-plus years working for EAST, Inc as President.
Tom’s knowledge was vast. He was a natural-born teacher who loved imparting his knowledge and wisdom of history, religion,and antique cars. He was a willing tour guide throughout the sites of Washington,DC, during which it was best to pay attention as there was always a quiz given at the end! When he was not teaching or putting in long hours at the office, Tom would spend time hiking his mountain or tinkering with his beloved 1970 Firebird. There was always a pot of coffee or cold beer ready for company.
Tom was a unique man for today’s world. He grew up in an era many could only imagine, a time in which hard work,sacrifice, duty, and honor were valued and expected,and given without question. He held true to his beliefs, unwavering and firm. He worked to instill in his children his work ethic and belief system, though his greatest duty was to God.
Tom was a faithful and beloved member of St. Athanasius Church in Vienna, VA for thirty years. He gave generously of his time and knowledge to assist those in need,further the education of the youth,and continue the traditions he was raised with.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sister Alberta DiSaverio,brothers William and Richard, and his beloved mother-in-law Pauline Kitchen. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Patricia (Kitchen) Fabyanic of Tampa, sons Michael (Traci) of Tampa, Mark of Sarasota,FL, daughter Ann of Cavalier, ND,and grandchildren Anthony, Raphael, and Gabriella Fabyanic,and David and Kaitlyn Harris. He is also survived by siblings Nancy (Mike, “Bomber,”loved as a brother and best friend) Gasparro, Helen (Dominick) Botti, Patricia Hrivnak, Albert, Marie (Erwin) Polansky, Theresa Hearn, Jerry, Rita (Charles) Robbins,and Angela (Edward) Skiffen,along with many nieces and nephews,and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Viewing will be at Money and King Funeral Home,171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180,on Thursday, May 13 from 6:00p.m.to 8:00p.m.with Rosary at 7:00p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, a limit of fifty people will be allowed at a time in the funeral home.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00a.m.at St. Athanasius Church, 9201 Leesburg Pike in Vienna on Friday, May 14. A limit of one hundred –fifty upstairs and fifty downstairs–not including family will be allowed in the church. Admittance is on a first-come basis. For those not able to assist at the Mass indoors or cannot come, coverage will be provided on Zoom. The login is ID: 897 3028 5426. Password: 081520.
Burial will follow at Andrew Chapel Cemetery, Route 7 & Trapp Road, Vienna. There are no limits on participation for the burial.
In lieu of cards and flowers, donations may be sent to St. Athanasius Church, P.O. Box 1627, Vienna, VA 22183.
Well done good and faithful servant. Go rest high upon your mountain. Your work here is done.
Tom was the eldest son of thirteen children and took this responsibility seriously. When his father passed away unexpectedly in 1953, Tom left college and returned home to help support the family. He worked in the local mill until joining the Air Force to further his education and support his mother and siblings.
Little did he know this would become a career spanning twenty-seven years. Tom trained as a pilot and flew F4 Phantom Jets during two tours in Vietnam. He earned a PhD in History with an emphasis on military history at St. Louis University in 1973 and went on to teach it at Columbia University, the Air Force Academy, Air War College,and the University of South Florida.
Tom earned more than a dozen commendations and medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1970; The Air Medal, First thru Twelfth Oak Leaf Cluster,in 1971; and the Legion of Merit in 1981. He retired as a Colonel in 1981.
In 1986, he moved his family to northern Virginia where he spent the next thirty-plus years working for EAST, Inc as President.
Tom’s knowledge was vast. He was a natural-born teacher who loved imparting his knowledge and wisdom of history, religion,and antique cars. He was a willing tour guide throughout the sites of Washington,DC, during which it was best to pay attention as there was always a quiz given at the end! When he was not teaching or putting in long hours at the office, Tom would spend time hiking his mountain or tinkering with his beloved 1970 Firebird. There was always a pot of coffee or cold beer ready for company.
Tom was a unique man for today’s world. He grew up in an era many could only imagine, a time in which hard work,sacrifice, duty, and honor were valued and expected,and given without question. He held true to his beliefs, unwavering and firm. He worked to instill in his children his work ethic and belief system, though his greatest duty was to God.
Tom was a faithful and beloved member of St. Athanasius Church in Vienna, VA for thirty years. He gave generously of his time and knowledge to assist those in need,further the education of the youth,and continue the traditions he was raised with.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sister Alberta DiSaverio,brothers William and Richard, and his beloved mother-in-law Pauline Kitchen. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Patricia (Kitchen) Fabyanic of Tampa, sons Michael (Traci) of Tampa, Mark of Sarasota,FL, daughter Ann of Cavalier, ND,and grandchildren Anthony, Raphael, and Gabriella Fabyanic,and David and Kaitlyn Harris. He is also survived by siblings Nancy (Mike, “Bomber,”loved as a brother and best friend) Gasparro, Helen (Dominick) Botti, Patricia Hrivnak, Albert, Marie (Erwin) Polansky, Theresa Hearn, Jerry, Rita (Charles) Robbins,and Angela (Edward) Skiffen,along with many nieces and nephews,and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Viewing will be at Money and King Funeral Home,171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180,on Thursday, May 13 from 6:00p.m.to 8:00p.m.with Rosary at 7:00p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, a limit of fifty people will be allowed at a time in the funeral home.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00a.m.at St. Athanasius Church, 9201 Leesburg Pike in Vienna on Friday, May 14. A limit of one hundred –fifty upstairs and fifty downstairs–not including family will be allowed in the church. Admittance is on a first-come basis. For those not able to assist at the Mass indoors or cannot come, coverage will be provided on Zoom. The login is ID: 897 3028 5426. Password: 081520.
Burial will follow at Andrew Chapel Cemetery, Route 7 & Trapp Road, Vienna. There are no limits on participation for the burial.
In lieu of cards and flowers, donations may be sent to St. Athanasius Church, P.O. Box 1627, Vienna, VA 22183.
Well done good and faithful servant. Go rest high upon your mountain. Your work here is done.
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God Bless Dr Fabyanic for all he has done for our church. Our family truly appreciated him as a catechism teacher. How lovely it is to read about his full life. Prayers will be said for the repose of his soul and for Patricia and family.
My condolences to all the Fabyanic family. He was a great gentleman. May he rest in peace! David Ling
Rest In Peace Col. a true American Patriot has passed on. You may be gone but will never be forgotten by the lasting impressions you have made on me and those around you. Words cannot define what you have done for this beloved country. Thank you for everything, we will carry on from here, rest easy. Much Love – The Counsil Family in Texas
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I was Tom’s attorney at EAST for more than 25 years and came to know him not only as a greatly admired client but a highly respected and trusted friend. His integrity and commitment to the right principles were unwavering. I am saddened by his departure from this life and extend my heartfelt condolences to the Fabyanic family.
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We are so sorry of the loss of Dr. Fabyanic, our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Tim and I have wonderful memories of Mike and Tracis wedding with all of the family. Also our wonderful Christmas and birthday celebrations at Marks house . Also for the prayers that Tom and Patty said for myself and TIM when we had some health issues the last few years. Love and Prayers, TIM and Ginny Smith