Obituary of Gloria Fabisiak

Gloria Lillian Fabisiak passed away peacefully in Freeport, New York, on December 7, 2015, after a long and happy life. She was born December 29, 1924, to Walter and Olympia Gasket of South Ozone Park, New York, the eldest of their three children, and younger half-sister to Walter's son, Henry. Gloria worked as a legal secretary after graduating from John Adams High School in South Ozone Park in 1941. Her real passion, however, was singing. She had a strong, beautiful voice. With just a few lessons, she had her first recital at Carnegie Hall in 1944 and was encouraged by her teacher to audition with the Metropolitan Opera. Although singing was her passion, her deepest, truest love was her family. On June 30, 1945, she married C. Stanley Fabisiak. In 1956 they moved from Sunnyside, New York, to Orange Street in Bellmore with their children Stanley, Raymond, and Barbara. A few years later, William and Gloria were born. She was a devoted wife to Stan and a loving mother who worked tirelessly to make life idyllic for her family. She took special joy in the holidays, each with its own special meals, treats, and activities. Summers were especially fun, whether it be spending time at the grandparents' homes near Coram ("the country"), at Jones Beach, Salisbury (now Eisenhower) Park, or Orient Point, or on summer vacation trips to exotic places such as Howe Caverns, Palisades Park, and the Pocono mountains. Most important was the love and support she gave to her children every day as schoolchildren, awkward adolescents, college students, and adults embarking on their own lives. It gave her great joy to see her children marry and have children of their own. Gloria was a life-long parishioner of St. Barnabas Church, Bellmore. She was active in the East Meadow Nassau County Homemakers Association from 1976 to 1993 and held the position of president more than once. She was given the Homemaker of the Year Award in 1990. She was an avid maker of craft items: lamps, dolls, teddy bears, decoupage, figurines, and many other items that are treasured by her family and friends. After her husband Stan died in 1989, she started singing again and joined the Merrick Chorale and other singing groups including the one affiliated with the Oceanside Senior Center. Also, with two friends, she founded a singing ensemble called "Elle's Belles." They performed regularly at senior centers, providing music that was nostalgic and entertaining. But it was at the Oceanside Senior Center that she met a wonderful friend and loving companion – Joe Bilello. They enjoyed many adventures together with friends and with each other's families, especially during holidays. They also loved to travel to Cancun, Florida, Montauk and Villa Roma, and even to Port Clyde, Maine. In December of 2004, the family had a great gathering of friends and relatives to celebrate Gloria's 80th birthday at Milleridge Inn, Jericho, NY; and in 2014, to celebrate her 90th, at Peppercorns Restaurant, Hicksville, NY. Gloria was predeceased by her husband Stan, by her brothers Carl and Henry, and by her son, Raymond, who passed away in 2014. She is survived by her sister Arline Krebs and her husband Harold; by her children Stanley Fox and his wife Kathleen of Tenants Harbor, Maine; Barbara Forgione and husband Gus of Rockville Centre, NY; Gloria Speranza and husband Ken of Hicksville, NY; and William Fabisiak of Bellmore, NY. She is also survived by her step-grandson Seann Colgan and wife Christina; her grandchildren, Thomas Fabisiak, Susie Fox, Douglas Forgione, Faith Forgione, Christa Speranza, Kalene Speranza, and Mark Speranza. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, in-laws, and many close friends. Gloria will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends. Arrangements are in the care of C.S. Bartholomew and Son Funeral Home, 302 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, NY. Visitors may pay respects there from 2-4 pm and 7-9:30 pm on Friday, December 11th. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Barnabas Church, which is adjacent to the funeral home, on Saturday, December 12th at 9 am. Following the Mass, a burial service will be held at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY.