John J. Rabel

John J. Rabel QUINCY John J. Rabel, 89, a resident of Quincy for the past fifty-five years, passed away November 7, 2008, at the home of his daughter in Scituate, after a long illness. He was a native of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, son of George and Sarah Theresa (Flesher) Rabel. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific during World War II. He was stationed for a period in Massachusetts, and there he met his bride and wife of forty-one years, Beatrice (Taglieri) Rabel, who predeceased him in 1988. Mr. Rabel worked in construction. He ran construction sites throughout New England and built his own business, Lackawanna Waterproofing Company, named after his beloved home. He is survived by his daughter Linda Sharpe and her husband John of Londonderry, New Hampshire, and their sons John, Jr. and Matthew, and their wives Nicole and Valerie; his daughter Paula Karcher and her husband John of Scituate, Massachusetts, and their children Paul, Michael, and Megan; and his son John, Jr. and his wife Marie of Georgetown, Massachusetts, and their sons Zachary and Lukas. His sister, Margaret Pascavage of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, and his brother, Stephen Rabel of Valrico, Florida, also survive him. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Mr. Rabel was an enthusiastic golfer. He enjoyed gardening, hiking in the mountains, and fishing with his grandchildren. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Penn State football. For many years, he was a devoted supporter of North Quincy High School athletics. He was also a well-known spectator at Adams Field. He coached and was involved with youth baseball. He never missed sporting events of his children or grandchildren. Last season, in recognition of his strong and steady support of Scituate Traveling Baseball, he was named Honorary MVP by his grandson Michaels team. Mr. Rabel was a proponent of physical fitness and, during his retirement, spent many hours exercising at the Quincy YMCA. At age 75, he was still catching his grandsons fastball. Most important to him in his life were his home and family. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Mass in St. Ann Church, 757 Hancock St., Quincy Wednesday 10 AM. Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Memorial donations may be made to the North Quincy High School Athletic Department, 316 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02171. See www.Keohane.com for online condolences.