Louis Fabi
Louis Fabi, 81, of Ithaca, NY, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family as well as friends he considered to be family.
Lou was born on January 22, 1945, son of Luigi and Maria (Genoa) Fabi. He was a lifelong resident of Ithaca and a 1964 graduate of Ithaca High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn (Nash), spending 59 years together. He served his country as a Vietnam veteran in the US Army and went on to spend over thirty years working in the US Postal Service as a mail carrier until his retirement in 2001. Lou worked at Cass Park, The Rink, and was also a bus driver for Lansing schools. Lou was a life member of the Ithaca Elks Lodge #636 and a more recent member of the Ithaca Moose Lodge #666 and spent many years as a player and coach in the Ithaca men’s softball league, where he forged lifelong friendships on and off the field. He was also a huge supporter of IHS Sports, cheering on young athletes to their greatest potential. His voice could be heard above all the rest, serving as a steady and familiar presence in the community.
During his post office days, Lou could be found at The Coddington Restaurant during lunchtime, sitting at his usual spot in the kitchen, sharing a meal and great conversation with the regulars. He also frequented Newman Golf Course, playing 9 holes and hanging out with his fellow golf enthusiasts. He also enjoyed being a part of the “Breakfast Club,” where he joined longtime friends in the back row of Immaculate Conception Church at 8:30 am Sunday mass, where they shared a few jokes, learned a new language, prayed together, and then met for a bite to eat afterwards.
Lou was also an avid fan of Ithaca College Football. He found great joy in following a great group of young men up and down the sidelines and keeping the referees in check. Many great memories were made atop South Hill over the years.
Above all, Lou was a loving father to Michelle (Steve) Green, Maureen "Mimi" Fabi, and Anthony Fabi, and his niece Nichole Fabi and great-nephew Gio Fabi. He was the proudest “Papa” to Kayla Green, Erika (Derran) Smith, and Amanda (Jason) Lawson, and was a great-grandfather to Logan Smith and “future baby Lawson.” Besides his wife, his children, and grandchildren, Lou is survived by his cousins, nieces, and nephews, and all the friends he accumulated along the way. His legacy of service, connection, and enduring love will be forever cherished.
Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Luigi and Maria (Genoa) Fabi, an infant brother, Luigi, and his beloved brothers Richard Fabi (1993) and Joseph Fabi (2023). He was also predeceased by his uncle Paul Seminatore.
Calling hours will be held at Herson Wagner Funeral Home, 110 S. Geneva St., from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Monday, April 6th. Mass will be held Tuesday, April 7th, at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospicare of Ithaca. The family asks that you consider making a donation of blood in Lou’s name. The gift of a weekly blood infusion helped to prolong Lou’s life, enabling him more time spent with the ones he loved.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the entire staff of Cayuga Cancer Center/Hematology Oncology, as well as the Infusion Lab, for the compassionate care they provided Lou.