Father Philip J. Fabiano, O.F.M. Cap., a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Mary, died on May 4, at the Leo House, Manhattan. He was 78.
Born in Manhattan as Frederick J. Fabiano, he was baptized at the Capuchin Church of Our Lady Queen of Angels, East Harlem.
He entered the Capuchin Franciscans at St. Lawrence Novitiate, Milton, Mass., on Aug. 31, 1955 where he received the religious name “Philip” pronounced perpetual vows on Sept. 1, 1959.
He was ordained the priesthood at Sacred Heart Church, Yonkers, on Jan. 11, 1964
In 1970, he was assigned to St. Michael, East New York, as an associate pastor and vicar of the friar community. In 1976, he received a master of arts in education from St. John’s University, Jamaica. From 1977 to 1981 he attended Cathedral College, Douglaston, where he received a master of divinity degree.
In 1978 Father Philip was appointed pastor and guardian of St. Michael Parish/Friary, Brooklyn, and was instrumental in the East Brooklyn Church’s initiation of the Nehemiah Houses Program.
At the Provincial Chapter of 1984, he was elected as Vicar Provincial Minister and appointed guardian of St. Conrad Friary, White Plains, until 1987. At the Chapter of 1987 his was elected Provincial Councilor and appointed pastor of Sacred Heart, Yonkers, where he ministered until 1993. He also ministered as a parochial assistant at St. Michael, Brooklyn, 1995-97.
He is survived by his sister Lucy.
Fr. Phil, as I knew him, was a major factor in my emotional and spiritual healing when I was troubled back in my 20s. I knew him and would receive counseling from him for quite a long while. He loved the Yankees and I would give him complementary tickets during the season. Sorry I didn’t keep in touch with him and even more that he passed. He was a great man.