John (Jack) Stephen Fabian, MD, 77, passed away July 17, 2022, after a short illness.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Groeber Fabian; his siblings, Timothy (Denise) Fabian of Memphis, TN, and Cynthia (Michael) Hartman of Marion, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Kathryn Graff Fabian, and his twin brother, Joey. Jack will be fondly remembered by his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and patients for his larger-than-life personality and for his kind heart.

Jack attended St. Mary Grade School in Marion, OH and Marion Catholic High School where he earned the Valedictorian award and was an all-conference linebacker in 1961. Jack attended Loyola University in Chicago where he met Mary at a mixer in his first week as a freshman. They married 6 years later and were married for 54 years.

Jack graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola in 1966, then went on to the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. In his first two years of medical school Jack worked at the Veterans hospital in Chicago where he received free housing for collecting blood samples from patients before his school day began. Upon graduation, he interned at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, then began his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. Jack was board certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology.

For two years Jack served as a physician in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander in Pensacola which Jack and Mary refer to as the best two years of their lives. They bought a boat and enjoyed fishing and Jack took up golfing. After his service in the Navy, Jack finished his residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa where he worked at Tampa General Hospital and the Veterans Hospital. No matter where Jack lived, he remained an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Jack and Mary settled in Pensacola in 1978 and he began his gastroenterology practice at West Florida Medical Center Clinic. Jack served the Pensacola area for over 50 years and was known for his commitment to his patients and for his excellent and compassionate care. Jack concluded his career serving patients at the Pensacola VA hospital where he worked for more than ten years.

Jack and Mary were active in the community and organized many activities including the heart gala and the heart run.

Jack had a passion for running and competed in over 100 marathons, including several Blue Angel marathons. He also completed several ultra-marathons and triathlons, including the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 5:00-7:00 pm at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola.

A funeral procession will leave Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel on July 28, 2022, at 2:00 pm and travel to Barrancas National Cemetery at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Committal Services will be held at Shelter B, Barrancas National Cemetery, at 2:30 pm. A Memorial Mass will be said in Marion, OH at a later date.

Jack began and ended his career at Veterans Hospitals and was devoted to the care of veterans.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent in his name to AHERO, America's Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors, whose goal is to heal the physical and psychological wounds of war and military service.  Donations may be given online at aherousa.com .

Jack also loved animals and always had dogs and cats. The beagle, Blue, held a special place in Jack's heart. Contributions can be sent in his name to Homeless to Home Animal Rescue and Cat Sanctuary, 1745 Marion-Waldo Road, Marion, OH 43302. The website is homelesstohome.com .

Jack will be dearly missed and always in our hearts.