James D. Fabrey

Obituary of James D. Fabrey

Dr. James D. Fabrey ("Jim"), age 82, of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home on December 27, 2025, surrounded by his family and beloved pets.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised by his late parents, John "Jack" Myron Fabrey and Harriet Roberta Van Inwagen Fabrey. He lived in Brooklyn until the age of five, when his family moved to Rochester, New York, settling into a life centered on family, faith, and learning. He later made his home in Pennsylvania, residing in Boothwyn before settling in Garnet Valley, where he lived for the past 35 years.

Family was always at the center of Jim's life. He was a most devoted husband to his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Enos) Fabrey, and a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by Patricia; his two sons, Timothy James Fabrey (Lindy) and Jonathan Patrick Fabrey (Michelle); and his four cherished grandchildren, Allyson Jane, Seamus Michael, Ashli Mae, and Alana Rose, and, who brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother, William "Bill" Fabrey.

Jim deeply valued time spent together as a family. He treasured shared activities such as playing board games, challenging loved ones to chess, and gathering everyone around the table. He especially loved family trips to Cape Henlopen, which he fondly recalled as some of their happiest times, as well as Thanksgiving gatherings filled with conversation, laughter, and visiting relatives. These moments of togetherness mattered most to him.

A lifelong educator, Jim devoted his professional life to teaching and service. He earned his A.B. in Mathematics from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in Mathematical Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating at the top of his class. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professor of mathematics and computer science. At West Chester University, Jim played an important role in the development of academic computing and computer science programs, mentoring students and colleagues with care and generosity. Even after retirement, he continued to give back as a volunteer tutor, remaining committed to helping others learn and grow.

Faith was a steady presence throughout Jim's life. A devoted Catholic, he was an active parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Glen Mills. He believed deeply in using his God-given talents to serve others and lived that belief quietly through his work, his generosity, and his devotion to family.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery.

Jim will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful parishioner, and dedicated educator. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched through teaching, kindness, and quiet service.