Paul C. Fabiano

Paul C. Fabiano passed away peacefully Friday December 10, 2021.

Paul was born January 14, 1931 in Holland, Michigan to A.Patsy and Mary Fabiano. He was the youngest of 11 children. Paul was raised in a very successful multi-generational family business, Fabiano’s in Downtown Holland.

As a child Paul attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. He graduated from Holland High School in 1949. He attended the University of Notre Dame. Paul faithfully and honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon completing his service in Korea, Paul returned home. Having retail business in his blood, Paul established Holland Peanut Store in Downtown Holland.

Soon after, Paul met the love of his life, Esther M. Bonofiglio, from Grand Ledge, Michigan, at an engagement party. They fell in love and married a year later, in 1955.

Paul and Esther worked very hard each day as proprietors, to serve the Holland area in their store. They raised four hard-working children Celeste, Paula, Mary and Thomas. All four children and two granddaughters, Sarah and Samantha, are currently involved in the family business. After retirement, Paul’s heart & soul remained with Holland Peanut Store, where he enjoyed seeing new and familiar faces. Customers always enjoyed talking with Paul. He was quick-witted, honest, hard-working and an excellent storyteller.

Customers often told Paul and Esther and their family that they shop there not only for the extraordinary customer service and delectable homemade products, but they also shop there for the LOVE.

One of his greatest joys as owner of Holland Peanut Store was getting to know HOPE College students & faculty. It warmed his heart when they would visit years later, bringing their own children in as the next generation HOPE student!

You won’t find a more enthusiastic Notre Dame football fan than Paul Fabiano. He attended football games as a young boy with his Uncle Frank, Dad and brothers. For his entire life he cheered on the Fighting Irish. Paul & Esther were season ticket holders for decades. Treating their children to football games many times a season, brought them great joy. Tailgating, walking the beautiful campus, watching the marching band and lighting a candle while offering prayerful intentions at the Grotto.

Paul was a life-long member of St. Francis de Sales Church, where he served on many committees and volunteering his time alongside his wife Esther. Paul’s faith never wavered. He walked the talk of God’s Word. Never boastful. Never judgmental. Always welcoming. Always kind. Paul was humble about his ability to make you feel good, whether with a joke, a compliment or a kind word.

He was a charter member of the Holland Knights of Columbus #7115, and a member of Evergreen Commons.

Paul was a life member and a past Exalted Ruler of Holland Elks Lodge #1315. That year 1961-62, Holland Elks Lodge was voted The Best Lodge in the State.

Paul is predeceased by his beloved wife Esther, his parents and his 10 siblings.

Sisters: Nella Reda, Sister Mary Francina RSM, Helen Fabiano, Rose Muto, Lena Juhasz, Amelia Fabiano and Beatrice Stokes

Brothers: Joe, Samuel, William

In 2011 Paul was preceded in death by his beloved grandson Michael Thomas Stille.

Surviving are his children:

Celeste and John Porebski

Paula Fabiano and Dale Brown

Mary and Joel Stille

Thomas Fabiano all of Holland

Grandchildren:

Sarah Porebski, Samantha & Maris vonWebsky, Jason Porebski, Johnny Porebski, Joshua & Katie Brown and Justin Israels

Great Grandchildren:

Jason & Zayden Trilla, Vivian & Vincent vonWebsky

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Paul Fabiano’s life and legacy will be held at 11:00am Wednesday December 15, at St. Francis de Sales Church, 171 West 13th Street, Holland Michigan, with Fr. Charles Brown presiding.

There will be no visitation prior to the funeral.

MASKS ARE REQUIRED

A private immediate family interment will take place following the Mass. The United States Army Honor Guard and V.F.W. Post 2144 will bestow military honors.

Please consider a donation in Paul’s memory to Hospice of Holland or St. Francis de Sales Church Holland, Michigan.

Professional service is under the auspices of the Mulder Chapel.