William Fabanish

1925 – 2014

Family and friends of Bill and Sara (Sally) Fabanish are proud to gather together and celebrate and remember Bill and Sally who will be interred together on Friday, August 29, 2014 at the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City Nevada.

Bill passed away Sunday August 17, 2014 at 2:47pm at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City, where he had resided since September 2012. Bill’s loving wife Sally passed away April 29, 2008 at their home in Henderson Nevada. She was cremated at that time and it was Bill’s wish that the remains of his wife of 61 years be buried with him at the appropriate time.

The Early Years

Bill was born William Walter Fabanish on February 14, 1925 in McDonald Ohio, northwest of Youngstown, to Theresa and James Fabanish, who were immigrants from Croatia. His dad is remembered as a good man, who worked at a steel mill, but also had a softer side, such as when he wept upon seeing his great-grandson Steven for the first time. Bill was known to be a strict man, and likely inherited this trait from his mother, who is remembered as a no-nonsense woman. As Bill was entering school, the United States and the rest of the world were entering the Great Depression and Adolph Hitler was gaining power in Europe. As with many immigrants, times were economically difficult for the Fabanish family, which included Bill’s brother John, and his sisters Barbara, Jayne, and Betty. Bill later recalled that his Sister Barbara, who was the eldest child, was heavily involved in maintaining the home and in raising Bill and his younger siblings. In his teens, Bill began his long working career, including two years of employment as a laborer with the Carnegie Illinois Steel Corporation, in 1942 and 1943.

The United States formally entered World War 2 following Japan’s attack on the Pacific Fleet on December 7, 1941. As the Country’s military efforts mounted, Bill Fabanish left high school in the 12th grade and went to war. Bill joined the US Navy on June 10, 1943. He was 18 years old.

The War Years

Wartime experiences forge lifelong marks on those who survive such ordeals. Bill’s experiences were substantial and deserve reflection and acknowledgement since they certainly influenced Bill’s later years, including his family life. His wartime experiences were substantially those he gained while serving on the USS Franklin (CV 13), one of 24 Essex class aircraft carriers that were part of the US battle fleet.

The Franklin was commissioned January 31, 1944 and Bill was one of the ship’s “plank holders” which is a term given to the original crew, which was approximately 2600 sailors. The Franklin engaged in numerous Pacific battles in WW2, ultimately earning 4 battle stars. Actual Franklin battle footage can be seen in the 1949 film, “Task Force” starring Gary Cooper. There are also documentaries that provide actual photographs and movie footage of the ship along with a history of the crew’s wartime experience.

Bill’s battle experiences began in June 1944 as the Franklin engaged in support of the Mariana Islands assault. In July, the Franklin with its 12 five inch guns and its 100 aircraft supported the battle for Iwo Jima, Guam, Rota, and Palau Islands. Action in August and September included battles around Bonan and Yap Islands and support of the Peleliu invasion.

In October, as Flagship for Task Group 38.4, the Franklin participated in the largest naval battle in the history of the world; the Battle for Leyte Gulf. During numerous battle situations the ship was attacked by enemy torpedoes and planes. The Franklin was narrowly missed by the torpedoes, however was hit by a kamikaze type plane, one of the first of the war, and, in a separate battle, was hit by an enemy bomb, killing three of Bill’s shipmates and injuring 22. On October 30, two suicide bombers hit the Franklin, killing 56 crewmembers and injuring 60.

Following repairs, Bill and the crew of the Franklin joined Task Group 58.2 to begin attacks against the Japanese homeland. On March 19, 1945 the Franklin steamed to within 50 miles of the Japanese mainland, the closest of any aircraft carrier during the war, for air strikes against Honshu and Kobe. On this fateful day, an enemy dive bomber came through the clouds and successfully struck the Franklin with two bombs. The damage was horrific, igniting fuel, and ammunition and ultimately killing 807 of Bill’s shipmates and wounding 487. Bill and other crewmembers were trapped deep inside the ship and were fortunate to find a way to escape the smoke, the fire and the explosions, using mattresses to shield themselves. As Bill emerged from the depths of the ship, an explosion sent him into the cold ocean waters, where he struggled to stay alive and was successful in staying afloat until he and other crewmembers were rescued by another ship, the USS Santa Fe. “Big Ben” ultimately made its way back to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where extensive repairs were made. The end of the war came before the Franklin could again participate in war action and the ship was ultimately scrapped in 1966. The Franklin remains one of the most decorated ships in US history, the loss of crew second only to the USS Arizona, and is considered the most severely damaged ship to ever successfully make its way back home. Bill’s Navy citations include: The Asiatic Pacific Medal (3 Stars); The Victory Medal; American Area Medal; and the Philippine Liberations Medal (1 Star).

The Family Years

With war experiences permanently etched in his mind, Seaman First Class William Fabanish was honorably discharged from the US Navy on March 2, 1946. He returned to his native Ohio and went to work as a heavy equipment operator at a fire clay mine near Canfield. He wasted no time as a bachelor; meeting and marrying his wife Sally within a year of leaving the service. Sara (Sally) Morris was born in New Buffalo Ohio January 23, 1929. She was an only child to parents Alice and Russell Morris. Sally’s Aunt Mary introduced her to Bill at a dance and the initial meeting was apparently a very good one. Bill and Sally were married on November 23, 1946 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Springfield Ohio.

Bill and Sally welcomed their first daughter Darlene into the world on February 17, 1948. The family remained in Ohio for a few years and then relocated to California prior to Darlene’s first year of school. This was a difficult financial time for the young Fabanish family. They lived with friends for a while and in temporary lodging during other periods. The family relocated back and forth to Ohio a few times before deciding to permanently settle in California. Sally was the housekeeper, the cook, the organizer, and the bookkeeper. She also worked for a couple of years as a keypunch operator with a local bank. Bill used his considerable mechanical skills to repair automobiles. He and a friend operated their own car repair business in Baldwin Park for a period and Bill worked for car repair shops at other times. As their efforts began to yield success, they were able to afford their first home in Whittier California. Darlene was in the 2nd Grade at this time and fondly recalls getting her own bedroom for the first time. The family became friends with neighbors Glen and Shirley Mieir and maintained this relationship for many years. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing with Glen and enjoyed the time they spent together on the Kern River. Every year or so Bill, Sally and Darlene drove back to Ohio to visit with family. These long road trips were forever burned into Darlene’s childhood memories.

For many years, Bill purchased vehicles that didn’t work, made the necessary repairs, and sold the vehicles for a profit. Darlene recalls the smell of oil, grease, and parts cleaner around the house and the odd variety of unusual cars that Bill would bring home for repair. Vehicles with names like Borgward and Corvair. Darlene’s first car was a Wartburg that Bill had purchased and repaired. He talked with her about basic maintenance and always insisted that she “check the oil” and “change the oil”.

In 1962 Bill and Sally welcomed their second daughter Nancy into the world on May 15. A flurry of changes soon began to take place. The family relocated to a new home in La Habra in 1965. Soon thereafter, Bill landed a job as an auto technician with the House of Imports in Buena Park, where he specialized in transmission repair for 23 years. Darlene married and left home in 1967. A long term friendship began with new neighbors Millie and Merle Alberts. The families enjoyed camping and various outings together. Millie and Merle had a daughter close to Nancy’s age, which provided an opportunity for her to have a neighborhood friend until she left home to start her family in 1980. Nancy has many memories of being a little girl that are dear to her. She remembers standing beside her dad and watching him shave before going to work. After shaving, he would splash a little bit of Old Spice on his hands, put his hands to his cheeks and then lean down and put his hands on her cheeks. She remembers the two of them sitting alongside a lake or river fishing together. Bill taught Nancy how to fish from start to finish and insisted she gut and clean her own fish. She remembers having her own tackle box and the distinct smell of old fish eggs each time it was opened. Nancy has often shared stories with her children of driving dad's dune buggy and of motorcycle riding in the desert on family camping trips with Merle and Millie and their kids. Nancy remembers taking a summer vacation to Missouri to visit Darlene and spend time on a real farm. She recalls another summer vacation to Nebraska where she experienced ranch life. She also remembers meeting her grandmother and grandfather during a trip to Ohio.

For Bill and Sally, this was a period in which, under Sally’s watchful eye, they were finally able to establish some financial security.

The Retirement Years

Bill retired from the House of Imports in 1990 at age 65. He and Sally decided to relocate back to their home state of Ohio, however, the brutal winter weather convinced them otherwise and they ultimately decided to retire in Henderson Nevada, where they purchased their final home in 1992. They enjoyed the nightlife of the Las Vegas area, especially the casinos, the dining, and the gaming. Bill was an avid Keno player, at one time winning over $12,000. Unfortunately, not long after retirement, Bill began to notice an increasing weakness in his legs. He was subsequently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, an illness of the nervous system. As the years passed, his mobility decreased requiring the use of a cane, and later a walker. He subsequently obtained a power wheelchair and the evidence of his learning to operate it could be seen on the doors and walls all over the house, much to Sally’s displeasure. Despite Bill’s health issues, they continued to enjoy their retirement years until approximately 2005 when their age and declining health began to take a toll. They were frequent visitors to the Joker’s Wild Casino and Boulder Station Casino, and enjoyed driving around the Las Vegas area. Bill continued to enjoy working with cars, especially his beloved Mercedes diesel sedan. Although their retirement location was far removed from most of their family, they enjoyed periodic visits with Nancy and Darlene and other family members. For several years, grandson Shawn lived with them while he was going to college and they were able to forge a special relationship. Shawn’s close proximity was especially welcomed by Bill who relished in giving him assignments around the house that included washing windows, going on errands, repairing odds and ends and helping work on the cars.

Sally’s own health began to decline in her later years, although she remained the one “in charge” of the house and the finances. She was often very quiet during family visits unless she thought Bill was getting out of line, at which time she would “put her foot down” and that would be the end of it. She and Bill were a team when it came to driving, Sally being the navigator and Bill the helmsman. Darlene began to spend much more time with them during this period, and arranged for the local Comfort Keepers organization to assist with cooking and cleaning, although Sally resisted this support for a long time. Ultimately, Bill was no longer able to drive and sold his Mercedes. Sally’s health took a serious turn for the worse in 2008 and she passed away on April 29.

The Final Years

Bill was adamant that he wanted to live at home as long as possible. Fortunately, he had established a relationship with Comfort Keepers and they were able to meet his needs for several years. For a large part of this time Krista was his caregiver and she greatly assisted Bill and provided him with companionship in addition to her cleaning and caretaking duties. Bill relished giving out assignments and observing work. He was a critical observer - sometimes too critical - and delighted in making sure the care givers were at work on time and that they always had plenty to do. Upon Sally’s passing, Darlene took over the job of monitoring his finances and paying his bills. Fortunately, thanks to Sally’s tight control of spending, Bill was financially secure in his final years. Although largely confined to his home, Bill enjoyed putting his observation skills to use. His daily routine included keeping track of the kids going to and from school, monitoring any building work taking place within his eyesight, and keeping an eye on his neighbors. He enjoyed watching sports on TV including football, golf and occasionally tennis. His favorite team always remained the Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed listing to Big Band music and country and western songs.

Bill’s physical condition continued to slide, unfortunately, leading to frequent and more severe falls. Following such an accident in 2012, his health required around the clock support and in September Bill shifted his residence to the Nevada State Veteran’s Home in Boulder City Nevada. Rose, Kathleen, Agnes, Connie and others on the staff developed a fondness for Bill and he received great care during his final two years.

Even in declining health, Bill retained a quick wit and critical nature. He remained a quiet man while at the Veteran’s Home, preferring to observe others than to engage with conversation, crafts, programs or activities. An exception, other than attending a periodic concert, was the monthly ‘outings’ which enabled him to take escorted field trips to local casinos and play a few games of Keno (at his final ‘outing’ he won $200 !). Bill loved the ‘outings’ and he loved sitting outside during Darlene’s visits. The Veteran’s Home has a beautiful courtyard with elaborate desert gardens that are a home to many birds, water turtles, desert tortoises, and quite a few rabbits. Bill enjoyed sitting in the sun and watching the rabbits play and the birds battle each other near the bird feeders. In his room Bill enjoyed looking out his window for coyotes, quail or other wildlife. He also turned his attention to reading the Bible, although the repeated references to “begatting” made it difficult for him to stay interested.

Bill’s last few months were difficult for him. He was hospitalized approximately 7 times after December 2013 and found it increasingly difficult to use his arms and hands and to chew his food. Throughout his final days, he retained his hair, kept nearly all his teeth, and his mind remained, for the most part, much more capable than his body and he delighted and endeared himself to the care givers with quick quips and observations during this time. He thought of his family often, and enjoyed the visits with Nancy and her family. When Darlene visited each week, one of his first questions was always: “How’s the Kids?”

Bill passed away at the Nevada State Veteran’s Home at 2:47 pm on Sunday August 17, 2014.

Bill is survived by his sisters Jayne Damore and Betty Garback who live in Ohio; daughter Darlene Mary Fiser in Laughlin Nevada; daughter Nancy Sue Medrano in Downey California; grandson Dr. Steven Mark Fiser in Richmond Virginia; grandson Shawn Michael Huber in Whittier California; grandson David Joseph Mojarro in California; granddaughter Rachel Lynn Mojarro-Alvarado in California; grandson Andrew Thomas Mojarro in California; and granddaughters Amanda Rose Medrano, Angelina Christine Medrano, and Aaliya Beth Medrano in Downey California. Bill’s Great grandchildren are Alyssa Renee Mojarro, Alina Mariah Alvarado, Noah Michael Llamas, Serena Nicole Llamas, Alani Grace Mojarro, and Cole Parker Mojarro.

In his early years, Bill Fabanish was a true war hero, helping to bring about the end of a world war. Possibly one of the greatest things that Bill accomplished in his later years has been to bring together members of his family. He will no doubt be quietly observing the gathering at his memorial and offering a few critical thoughts.