Chris was born in Rutland, Vermont, the son of Edward and Martha Fabian on October 17, 1962. He attended and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1981.
Immediately after his graduation from high school, Chris became an on-call firefighter for the City of Montpelier serving from 1981 to 1983. In 1983, Chris moved to Wells, Maine where he continued his fire service with the Wells Fire Department until 2000 where he held several positons including full-time firefighter for four years. During his time in Wells, he operated The Harbor House Restaurant and Fiddlestyx Pub from 1990 to 1998. Chris then decided to become a paramedic and attended Northeastern University in Boston from 1998 to 1999. Once licensed, he joined the Portland Fire Department in 1999 working as a paramedic/firefighter, most recently with Engine Co. 1 on Munjoy Hill.
Chris loved giving time to his community; he served on the Westport Island Volunteer Fire Department as Deputy Chief from 2009 to 2011. He proudly served our country in the United States Naval Reserves from 1993 -2001 as a Boatswain Mate and later transferring to the Seabees as an equipment operator, until his honorable discharge in 2001. Chris loved music of all genres, the Maine coast, and the City of Boston. He particularly enjoyed boating, having done so with his daughter Emma just two weeks prior to his passing.
Chris is survived by the love of his life daughter Emma Storm Fabian. He is also survived by his brothers Chuck and wife Tina of Fairfield, Kevin of Norridgewock, EJ and wife Bridget of Oakland, and his sister Julie and husband Mike Benecke of Oakland. Chris is also survived by his nieces and nephews Ted, Chase, Codey, Michael, Reilly, Brianne and grand nephews Teddy, Parker, and Cohen. He is predeceased by his parents, Edward and Martha Fabian.
In May of 2019, Chris was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The family wishes to thank the medical professionals at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston for the incredible care against impossible odds and, although his stay was very short, the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine.
The family extends its gratitude to the Portland Fire Department and other first responders that supported Chris and his family.
The family welcomes you to calling hours on Thursday, September 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, Maine. A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, September 4 at 10:00 am at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland, Maine. Due to COVID restrictions, there is reserved seating only inside the stadium. Burial will take place at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine on Thursday, September 10 at 10:00 am, with full honors.
You may offer your condolences or share your memories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com
Per Chris’ wishes, a fund has been established for Emma’s future. If desired, contributions may be made to Kennebec Savings Bank, Attn: David Grenier, 236 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901. Please make the check out to Kennebec Saving Bank and write “Emma” in the memo field.
