Joseph J. Fabiano

Joseph J. Fabiano, 89, a longtime resident of Westwood and proud native of Dedham, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, surrounded by his family at Alliance Health Care in Braintree.

Born on February 16, 1937, in Dedham, Joe was the son of the late Rose DeLucca and Vincenzo (James) Fabiano. He was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart, the late Marie Giambanco, affectionately known to the family as “Gaga.” Together, Joe and Marie built a beautiful life centered around family, raising five children and creating the family that would become their greatest pride and joy.

Lovingly known as “Papa Joe,” he was the devoted father of James and his wife, Diane Fabiano; Linda and her husband, Carmen Federico; Jeanne Fabiano and her partner, Neil Zabo; Nancy and her husband, Stephen Woicik; and Michael and his wife, Sondra Fabiano. He was the beloved grandfather of Maria, Vincent, Joseph, Christina, Anthony, Stephen, Evan, Francesca, Fabia, Daria, Maria, and the late Nicole, and the proud great-grandfather of seven great-grandchildren.

The youngest of five children, Joe was predeceased by his four sisters, Josephine Poirier, Florence Rocha, Mary Pulster, and Anna Bompane. He is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.

Joe took great pride in his football career at Dedham High School, where he would later be inducted into the Dedham High School Football Hall of Fame. His love of sports never left him. Also, a lifelong Boston sports fan, Joe could often be found following his favorite teams and, later in life, on the sidelines at Westwood High School sporting events.

Joe was also proud of building his business, Computer Enterprise, where he worked for many years.

Those who knew Papa Joe will remember him playing cards with friends, spending time on Sal and Yvonne’s boat in Marco Island, driving around in his red Mercedes convertible, or happily floating in the pool at “Gaga’s House” on Saint Denis Drive.

Above all, family was Papa Joe’s greatest source of pride. He loved keeping up with the whereabouts of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hardly a visit went by without him proudly announcing the latest count of his ever-growing family, and nothing made him happier than watching that family continue to grow.

Papa Joe will be remembered for his warm personality, his sense of humor, and the joy he brought to those around him, and he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

The Fabiano family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who supported Joe throughout his later years, including his home health aides and the staff who cared for him during his time in nursing care. Each person who played a part in his journey offered comfort, kindness, and support, and the family will always be grateful for the care and compassion shown to Papa Joe.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours at the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock Street, Westwood, on Tuesday, September 1, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 2, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Denis Church, 157 Washington Street, Westwood, followed by interment at New Westwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to The Italian Home for Children at www.italianhome.org/give/.