Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Frederick Sabine Obituary

Frederick Sabine, 90 of Liverpool, NY passed away January 21, 2019 after a lengthy, hard-fought illness. Fred was preceded into eternal life by his precious daughter Deborah Bopp, parents Ralph and Marian, brothers Rudy and Miles, sisters and brother in-laws and best shipmate RADM Bill Kearns Jr.He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Exedla (Rita) LeBlanc of Norwich, CT, two sons, Stephen and wife Margie of Orcas Island, WA; Ralph and wife Susan of Va Beach; Grandchildren who he adored, Nathan Bopp and wife Mary Beth, Amy Story and husband Chris, Morgan Sabine, Dana Sabine and Clark Sabine, five great grandchildren, brother Keith, brother-in-law Dick Kane and numerous nephews and nieces who all loved Uncle Freddy. Fred began a tremendous 40-year U.S. Naval career as a â€œstew burnerâ€� onboard subs and retired as Captain. His career included two tours in Vietnam, six commands, three of which were amphibious at sea. He traveled to 75 countries during his service. When someone thanked him for his service, he responded: â€œThank you for allowing me to serve, I loved every minute of it!â€� He established many lifelong friends proudly serving and was a positive influence on many a sailor. Fred was an avid quail hunter and looked forward to seeing his â€œhunting buddiesâ€� Len Picotte and James Lynch every season. Nothing excited Fred more than a covey of quail with dogs locked on point. Fred enjoyed his friends at Flex Gym where he was member for twenty years and maintained celebrity status for being the oldest member for quite some time. Rita and he were original members of the Church of the Ascension where he was the â€œcoffee guyâ€� as long as people can remember. He truly was a stranger to no one and treated everyone with equal kindness and respect. The family would like to thank Dr. Pettebone and the Hema/Oncol/AIC personnel, at NMC Portsmouth for the exceptional and compassionate care he has received during the past twenty years. Arrangements are being handled by The Cremation Society of VA. Captain Sabine will be placed in the columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery. A Memorial Mass and celebration of life will be held when the date is scheduled at Arlington. Donations in honor of Fred can be made to the USO or UDT/Seal Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Jan. 25 to Jan. 27, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Sabine

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Sandra Simons

March 10, 2020

My Husband Elwyn Simona was under his command on LST 1194 always had Great things to say about Mr Sabine. My condolences to his friends and family. My he rest in peace

David MacDonald

June 27, 2019

I served aboard the USS LaMoure County from 1973 until 1975. My strongest recollection of Captain Sabine was of a tough but fair commander.He used to run on deck wearing a 20lb flack jacket, cut off shorts and jungle boots.
I was working in the sick bay one day when he walked in. Upon entering I was the first to see him. I happen to have a mouthful of cookies from a care package from home. None the less I yelled attention on deck to the amusement of all especially Commander Sabine.He smiled as I turned a bright shade of red.
May God grant him eternal peace and may his memory be for a blessing to the family.

Respectfully,
David H. MacDonald

Larry Bailey

January 28, 2019

Neither nicer guy nor a better leader I never knew. Fred Sabine was a prince in every respect.

Robert Colonna

January 28, 2019

Dear Sabine Family: Please accept my heartfelt prayers and condolences of the passing of Captain Sabine. I am Bob Colonna, a 30 year retired MCPO (SW), and I had the pleasure in working with Captain Sabine when he was the Commanding Officer in USS AUSTIN (LPD-4), when I was on the staff of COMPHIBRON 2, as the Command Master Chief and the N-41, assist engineering/material officer. I had to liaison with the Captain on many occasions, and I must tell you that he was the most gracious, honorable and most down to earth CO of our entire PHIBRON squadron. He made me feel at home on his ship, right away he offered me a cup of coffee and he talked to me as if I'd known him for many years. What a respectful gentleman, and I will always remember him as a truly great Captain and gentleman. Fair winds and following seas Captain.

David Ouellette

January 27, 2019

Rita and Family,

We are so sorry for your great loss and you are in our prayers for sure. I had great respect for Fred and always enjoyed working with him at the Ascension Soup Kitchen Ministry. His devoted service and welcoming nature will always be remembered.

Dave and Eileen Ouellette

Mario Ruffino

January 27, 2019

IT is a very sad day for me as I have lost a very good friend and hunting buddy.My love and condolences go out to Fred's family, he will surely be missed. GOOD HUNTING MY FRIEND

BMCM(SW) Wade Willingham

January 27, 2019

Captain Sabine was my favorite CO. Ultimate role model. The Crew admired and respected him. Fair Winds and Following Seas Captain Sabine.

Tony & Cathy Amburn

January 26, 2019

Rita, Ralph and Steve,

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I remember back in Arrowhead on Princess Anne road he was always engaged in a project and doing it with such gusto. I had immense respect and awe that he served in the USN. After working with our military folks myself, I realize what great people they are and Mr. Sabine was an example to be admired. I am sorry we cannot be in the area to celebrate his life but be assured you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God bless you all.

Tony Amburn

January 26, 2019

Mrs. Sabine and family,
Sorry for your loss. Captain Sabine commissioned me as an LDO Ensign in April 1988. Truly a superb Commanding Officer whom I had the utmost respect for and aspired to emulate during my career as a Naval Officer. One of the best.

David C. Uncur LCDR USN (Retired)

God Bless

Edward Clausius

January 25, 2019

Rita, Susan and I are so sorry to learn of Fred's death. I will always remember him as a tremendous individual and absolutely superb naval officer. We will miss his smile and great sense of humor and the sea stories he told at the Gator reunions. We will keep you in our prayers.
Tom Summerlin

January 25, 2019

A wonderful man who always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. It was our privilege at Flex Gym to have Fred as a member.
He inspired so many people with his work ethic and friendly encouragement. He was a true old school gentleman - he will be missed by hundreds of people that knew him at Flex. Fred - say hi to Al for me.

Walt & Marie Wesolowskii

January 25, 2019

Rita and Family,
Marie and I send our love and condolences. I always enjoyed swapping stories with Fred. He told me that he kept me in his prayers after my bout with leukemia and he has been in my daily prayers for some time now. Sunday morning at church will be different without Fred. Rita, we know this is an especially hard time for you so if there is anything we can do to help you, please call us

Mitchell Clapp

January 25, 2019

To the family I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. Captain Sabine was the Commanding Officer of my first ship the USS Austin LPD-4 in 1981. He was an honorable man who took great pride in his crew and those who were under his leadership. He done so many great things that the memories will live forever in those whom served with him. I am thankful that I had the pleasure to serve under his leadership. Rest in Peace Sir and thank you for your service. Fair, Winds and Followings Seas.

January 25, 2019

Rita,
I am so sorry for your loss. Fred was a great guy and will be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nick Clark

Award ceremony NAB Little Creek 1977

James Adams

January 25, 2019

Capt. Ralph was my Captain in 1977 at NAB Littlecreek. . He was a devoted naval officer. He was always kind and friendly. He was the best Captain that I ever had. Sorry for your loss.

Fair winds and following seas

James s. Adams. BMCS Retired

Joe Wargo

January 25, 2019

Rita and Family,

My wife and I are very sorry for your loss. I only had the privilege of working for Fred at Fleet Training Center for 5 months before he retired. He was a great leader, and the whole command loved him. He was a compassionate and kind person. He was very helpful to my wife and me.

May he rest in peace.

Joe & Terri Wargo

January 25, 2019

Oh Rita, I am so sorry. I will miss that smiling face on Sunday mornings. Chris and Fred Krueger

Greg & Jan Franceski

January 25, 2019

Rita and family,
Jan and I want to express our deepest sympathy for your great loss. We pray that God gives you the strength to cope with this loss.
Fred will always be remembered by all who knew him as a great man and a great patriot. He was a friend to many, many people and always willing to provide help where it was needed.
Please take some comfort in knowing that he is resting at peace with Our Lord.

Greg & Jan Franceski

January 25, 2019

Rita and family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We pray that God gives you strength to cope with that loss.
Please remember that Fred will be remembered by all who knew him as a great man and a great patriot, who was a friend to many, many people. We remember him for all he did at Ascension and his spirit of involvement with so many activities at our church.
Please take some comfort in knowing that he is resting at peace with Our Lord.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results