Italo "Elo" Fabbri

04/03/1924 - 10/07/2014

Elo Fabbri, 90, of Bakersfield, CA., passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, on October 7, 2014.
He was born in Bakersfield, CA., on April 3, 1924 to the late Emma Pieretti and Louis Fabbri. Elo graduated from Bakersfield High School where he was a basketball and football star. He was married to the late Roberta Callagy Fabbri.
Elo was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, companion, and friend. He served in the Navy as an airplane mechanic in San Diego, CA. He started his own general store, Pond Mercantile, in Pond, CA. before he began his long career as a farmer with his brother Vido. In his later years he enjoyed going to Spencer's, La Salsa, and Woolgrower's and giving the waitresses hell! He spent nearly every evening watching a movie with his grandson Zander. He also appreciated the company of his caretakers Diana, Pricilla, and Lexi. His presence was always known everywhere he went. We will miss him deeply.
He was first and foremost a farmer. Elo was hard working, determined, strong, and didn't mind getting dirty. He sowed, weeded, disked, plowed, and held a family together. He was our pillar. He made quite an impact on the World through agriculture. Elo was a pioneer in the antinuclear movement in the Central Valley. His focus and influence molded Wasco's public opinion and in 1978 Kern County voted against the LA Department of Water and Power rejecting their proposal by 70%. It was the first time American citizens cancelled a nuclear power plant.
Elo always accomplished whatever he set out to do. He influenced both community and family. We thank God for every day we were blessed to have him and have to smile at the thought of him stirring up Heaven a bit.
He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Emma Fabbri; his wife Roberta Fabbri: his siblings Leo Fabbri and his wife Mildred; Vido Fabbri and his wife Evelyn; Molly Matteucci and her husband John; his son-in-law Jerry Engle; his niece Kathy Fabbri; his great nephew Stephen Fabbri; and nephew-in-law Rodney King.
He is survived by his 4 children: Michelle Fabbri Engle; Margin Fabbri Peterson and her husband Mark; Bud Fabbri and his wife Michelle; Tonia Baker and her family. His 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren: Joe Engle and his partner Mandi; Stephanie Engle; Madeline Fabbri Nunes and her husband Jason; Zander, Gabbi, and Juliette Fabbri; Jenna and Scarlett Engle. He is also survived by 6 nieces and nephews: Danny Fabbri and his wife Wendy; Sharon King; Jeff Fabbri and his wife Dianna; Marc Fabbri; Joanne Bertini and her husband Rolando; Georgette Leake and her husband Bill; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Dad, you are forever in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Jamison Children's Center by going to
http://kernpartnership.com/How_To_Help.html
in comments please include "In memory of Elo Fabbri"
Services will be held on Thursday, October 30th, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Philip the Apostle Church.
Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara Funeral Directors