David R. Fabian

David R. Fabian passed away from leukemia on July 3, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on August 6, 1941, in Erie, PA, to S.J. "Sikey" and Genevieve Fabian, Dave enjoyed over 60 years of professional and personal success across the military, academic, and private sectors. He graduated from Gannon University in 1963 with a degree in English and an Army ROTC commission. His military career began in Vietnam (1968-69) with the 4th Infantry Division, where he served as an armored cavalry platoon leader and later as the division's public affairs officer, handling media coverage of combat operations in Vietnam's Central Highlands. This led to various public affairs leadership positions that tracked the Army's structural and cultural transformation from an institution mired in post-Vietnam turmoil into the professional all-volunteer force it fielded during the Persian Gulf War.
Dave's Army career reached its pinnacle at the Pentagon as the Army's Deputy Chief of Public Affairs (1990-94), where he developed global public affairs doctrine and advised top Army officials. During his 26-year career he earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (4), the Bronze Star Medal (2), and numerous other decorations.
Dave returned to Gannon University (1994-2005) as Director of Communications and Special Assistant to the President, overseeing communications strategies, contingency planning, and crisis management. He received the University's 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award.
From 2005 to 2019, he served as Chief of Staff and Director of Communications for the Army Historical Foundation, leading a $200 million campaign to build the National Museum of the United States Army, at Fort Belvoir, VA, preserving the Army's history for veterans and their families.
A dedicated runner, Dave logged over 65,000 miles in various races, including marathons, and ran in all 50 states and 16 countries. He was also a published poet and artist, painting scenes on rooftop slates which he gifted to loved ones.
Dave and his wife Kathleen ("Loving her is easy," he'd always say) shared 50 years of marital bliss before her death in 2014. They had three children - retired Army Colonel Scott David (Shelly) Fabian, Amy Faith (Chris) Walck, and Shan Marie (retired Marine Lt Colonel Michael) Tyson, and they took special pride in their seven grandchildren – Kathleen Fabian (Michael) Fronte, Army Captain Meaghan Fabian, and Julia Fabian; Savannah Walck (Justin) Lewis and Dylan Walck; Austin (Andrea) Tyson and Morgan Tyson (Hunter) Moran. Dave was recently blessed with the births of two great grandchildren, Luca Fronte and Lorelai Moran. Dave is also survived by his brother Gary and he cherished his friendship with Tansill R. Johnson and the endearing companionship of his "someone special," Carolyn M. Brendsel.
Dave will be interred with Kathleen at Arlington National Cemetery, with burial details and a celebration of life to be announced later.