Mariano L. Fabio

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.

I’m following the path God has laid you see.

I took His hand when I heard Him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

to laugh, to love to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joys.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.

Oh yes, these things I, too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine tomorrow.

My life’s been full. I savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.

God wanted me now. He set me free.

A BACKWARD GLANCE IN TO THE LIFE OF

MARIANO LUIS FABIO

Luis was the second youngest of four sons, born to Maria Luisa Gatdula and Isidoro Fabio on September 14, 1924 in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. He attended University of the East and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Dentistry. Luis met his future wife, Longin Mendoza while in college. Little did they know, that they would be a match made in heaven.

Luis and Longin were married on January 31, 1952 and spent 54 happy years together. Their union produced five children: Roy, Tita, Boyette, Jay, and Diana. Luis also enjoyed the company of his three grandchildren: Jillian, Carl, and Elizabeth.

To secure a better future, Luis temporarily left his family to immigrate to the United States in 1968. Upon arrival in the US, Luis settled in San Francisco, California. While in San Francisco, Luis was fortunate enough to be welcomed by the Green Family and ‘adopted’ him. Luis then moved to Long Beach, California where Longin would soon join him. In 1975, Roy, Boyette, Jay and Diana joined them in Hawthorne, California. As the Fabio household grew upon the arrival of Tita, the family moved to Lawndale, California which for many years they called home. After their retirement, Luis and Longin spent a few years in Oceanside, California until Luis’ health began to affect him and they eventually returned ‘home’ to Lawndale. In late 2005, Luis and Longin joined their son, Boyette, at his residence in Carson, California.

Luis worked for many years as a dental technician at Dental Cosmetics Laboratories in Long Beach, California. In 1989, Luis finally retired and enjoyed babysitting his three grandchildren and cherished the moments watching them grow.

Luis was a humble, modest, generous, thoughtful, and considerate person who took pride in his personal accomplishments and those of his family – particularly those of his children and grandchildren. Luis’s gift to this world was ability to make people laugh. He is loved by so many for his sense of humor and adored by his many nieces and nephews for his wit.

In 1995, while still living in Oceanside, California, Luis was diagnosed with emphysema, asthma, and cardio pulmonary disease. As it became apparent that his condition would limit his ability to go up and down the stairs as well as drive his car, Luis and Longin returned ‘home’ to Lawndale. As his condition progressively got worst, Luis fought on even though he had been in and out of the hospital. In one of his many hospital visits, Luis spent days in ICU but still managed a full recovery. In 2004, during his medical check-up, it was discovered that Luis had prostate cancer but it was already in the advanced stage. Luis still kept a positive outlook in life and enjoyed the company of his children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. As his health continued to deteriorate, Luis again spent days in the hospital in December 2005.

On behalf of the entire family, we wish to offer a very special thanks for the many acts of loving kindness shown to us during this difficult time.

Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.

Longin and the Fabio Family

Roy, Tita, Boyette, Jay & Diana