Thomas Fabin

US Navy Seabee Combat Veteran 

Thomas Fabin of Erie, PA died February 17, 2025 at the Erie Veteran Affairs Hospice Unit. An Erie Native, Tom was born on January 22, 1944, to the late Frank S. Fabin and Josephine Lach Fabin. Tom graduated from St. Stanislaus Grade School in 1957 and Academy High School in 1961 before starting work as a lineman for General Telephone Company. A Vietnam combat veteran, Tom bravely volunteered to serve in the United States Navy ahead of the draft with Naval Construction Battalion 7 as a SeaBee (1967-1968). He returned after his second combat tour to GTE and continued work in engineering until retirement.

Tom married his Sweetie, Norma Jean Mihalak, in 1974 and celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary before passing. They have two combat veteran daughters, US Army Captain Kellie Keller (USMC MAJ (Ret) Robert Bledsoe, Jr.) of San Diego, CA and US Army Colonel Carrie Brunner (Colonel Anthony Brunner) of Alexandria, VA, and two grandchildren, Haley and Noah Keller. 

An avid outdoorsman, Tom loved hunting and fishing with his brothers, sons-in-law, nephews and cherished friends. His annual trips to Canada for fishing and watching the Northern Lights were the highlight of his year. Generous in every way, Tom often donated his game to families in need. Tom was also an active member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 470, Elks Lodge, YMCA and the Breakfast Club with his closest friends. 

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Frank Fabin and sister Carol Wainwright, brothers-in-law Joseph Kusiak and Robert Wainwright Sr., sister-in-law Norma Mihalak, and niece Jennifer Mihalak. He is survived by his sister Patricia (Fabin) Kusiak and brother Stephen Fabin (Deborah), brother-in-law Robert Mihalak, sister-in-law Mary Anne Fabin, 7 nieces, 9 nephews, 11 great-nieces, 14 great-nephews and many dear friends.

 Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26th Street on Friday, February 28, from 1-4pm and 6-8pm. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, March 1 at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 West 38th Street, followed by Interment at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum 3325 West Lake Road.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Erie Veterans Affairs Hospice 135 E. 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504, in Tom’s name to honor his military service.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com