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JOHN CABIATI Obituary

JOHN GERALD CABIATI
John Gerald Cabiati died January 7, 2020, age 72. Born in Jersey City, NJ, John was a talented athlete, a frustrated guitarist and lover of American roots music, a reluctant but dedicated gardener, a committed educator and community member, and a beloved husband and father. A warm and witty man, he charmed generations of students with his appreciation for and deep knowledge of history, humor, and obscure pop culture, while teaching at Lake Braddock Secondary School. His love for athletics and his children's activities led him to coach Little League, track and field, and many other sports. His support and dedication were unwavering and he never missed a practice or game. In addition to his wife, Susan, John is survived by his son Nicholas and daughter Christina. A celebration of John's life will be held in summer. Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders or the International Rescue Committee.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN CABIATI

30 Entries

Joe urban

September 29, 2025

I just found out of John´s passing. I was his next door neighbor in Union, NJ. John was 5 years older than me, I remember him practicing constantly high jumping on a make shift pit, getting to Penn State. RIP John. Joe Urban

Charles Loschmann

July 25, 2024

I knew John at Penn State University where we were both on the track team. I was a newcomer and he was a junior. I was scared stiff coming from a small town and high school and was intimidated by big Penn State. He took me under his wing and made me feel comfortable and welcomed to the team. He introduced me to all the "big time" team guys and I soon became one of them. Very generous man, and a real good high jumper. I remember him practicing indoors and approaching a basketball backboard and putting his leg through the net at 10 feet. What an athelete he was. And a good guy.

Ron Runyan

May 5, 2024

Just learned of John´s passing today. He was a much valued fraternity brother at Penn State. He was clever, considerate, and a quick wit. He cared deeply about his music choices, made a good friend, and could always make you smile. Having lost contact for > 50 years, his students above comments affirm his character.

To his family , I add a fond recollection of John "Cab" Cabiati! Belated condolences.

Hal Walter

March 16, 2024

John Cabiati was my teacher at Lake Braddock when I arrived there from Nevada in 8th grade. He was for certain the most influential teacher of my lifetime. He also literally changed my name. I arrived as "Harold." He pulled me aside after class one day and said, "'Harold' isn't going to serve you well in life. So we're going to change that, and here's how we're going to do it. When I call roll from here on out you will be 'Hal.' Eventually, it will stick and that will be your name." Fifty years later even the bank and IRS accepts "Hal." John was also a tremendous influence on my lifetime career as a journalist and writer. He introduced me to Kurt Vonnegut at the age of 13 (we had to have our parents sign a permission slip) and was a great writing coach. I also remember him as an outstanding role model and adult athlete in rugby and track and field. What a great man and teacher!

Jeff Yapalater

January 13, 2024

As a second cousin I did not have much interaction with John. I do fondly recall the proud moments his father and my grandmother Olympia felt during his athletic prowess as a young man. RIP.

Lisa Clement Lamb

February 17, 2022

I was thinking about Mr. Cabiati this afternoon and decided to see whether I could touch base. I am so very sorry to read the news (two years after his passing). I was a student of Mr. Cabiati's in 1979. I hope that these messages convey to his family how special he was and how much he meant to the thousands of students he reached over the years. I think that the fact that he played rugby inspired me to give it a whirl in college. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Lauren Barry

September 11, 2021

I recall Mr. Cabiati often (his class was one of my favorites) but was thinking of him especially today on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 - I was sitting in his class the morning the planes hit the World Trade Center. We all sat watching the TV in stunned silence, unable to understand what was happening. I am so sad to stumble upon his obituary. He was a very special person. An incredible teacher whose humor always stuck with me.

Jessica Kirzane

February 11, 2021

I was so sorry to learn of Mr. Cabiati's passing. I was a student of his in the early 2000's and was so deeply inspired by his passion for history, his capacious knowledge, and his sense of humor. I loved the way he challenged me to learn beyond the curriculum. I was lucky to have been shaped by him.

Chip Lauria

February 9, 2021

The best man i ever met. I think about him often

Aaron Fuchs

January 29, 2021

I thought about Mr Cabs (We affectionately referred to him) today. I enjoyed his class while at Lake Braddock in the mid 90s. I remember a mountain of a man, and enjoyed his stories so much that I spent a period with him as a teacher assistant my senior year.

My thoughts go out to his family. I had only a few great teachers in my lifetime, and John was one of my greats.

Adam Blumenthal

August 7, 2020

I'm so sorry to see this news about Mr. Cabiati. I was listening to a music history program this morning that made me think of Mr. Cabiati, and I was just doing a Google search to see if I could find a way to contact him. He was one of my favorite teachers and a great inspiration to me in one particular part of my life - music related. I was a freshman at Lake Braddock in his World Cultures class in 1984 or 85. It was a fantastic class. On the first or second day of class, as the fall semester was just starting, he was walking through the syllabus to give us an overview of the course. As he got to the 1950s Mr. Cabiati just made some small mentions of the beat poets and the cultural transition from that to hippies. He mentioned Ken Kesey and referred to (something like) "the ultimate American band that came out of this transition..." and he asked if anyone could guess the band. I said "Beach Boys?" He made a remark about "another California band" and said it was the Grateful Dead. So when this teacher, whom I thought was so cool, considered the Grateful Dead at the same level as Mesopotamia and Ancient Rome, I knew there was something for me to check out here. Their deep well of music has soothed my soul over the many years since then, and their position as significant cultural influencers, as Mr. Cabiati introduced to me, makes for fascinating history. I'm very grateful I had the chance to meet John, and I'm sending all the very best wishes to the Cabiati family.

Anant

July 18, 2020

I was just thinking about Mr. Cabiati a few weeks ago. He was, without a doubt, one of my favorites. HS was tough, but for the year I was in his history class his supportive smile and laugh would always cheer me up. Sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed by many.
Anant (class of 2003).

Tracy Weeks

July 2, 2020

Had him as a student when LBSS first opened, and thought of him often thru the years. Im devastated to hear hes gone. He was the very definition of what a teacher should be, and the coolest cat in the building.

June 16, 2020

Thank you Uncle John --- Your insight into our past helped me through a dark time, and showed me that the past does not define your future. May you Rest In Peace, and may God be with Aunt Susan, Nicholas and Christina.

Julie Carter

June 2, 2020

I am very sad to read of Johns passing. He was a wonderful teacher who had the innate ability to entice the best from his students. He encouraged us to look beyond what was expected and reach for more. His quick wit and charm completed the package. Cab- you were one of a kind. God bless.

Ethan Hunter

April 1, 2020

I never knew him as John, he was always Mr. Cabbiati. His love for history inspired my own. There hasn't been a day that's gone by I haven't recalled with fond memories his wit and passion for teaching history. We were all lucky to know him. This man was a Legend. (Class of 1993)

Cary Talbot

January 23, 2020

Some teachers you remember because they made a positive impact, others the opposite and others you don't really remember because they didn't have an impact at all. Mr. Cabaiti, my 9th grade World Cultures teacher (LBSS class of '87) was definitely in the first category for me. He not only taught me the subject matter, but, more importantly, about how to learn, how to ask tough questions and how to think for myself. It was also evident that he truly cared about educating his students. His impact on my life is significant and I'm grateful for what he taught and helped me learn about much more than just the curriculum of the class. RIP Mr. Cabiati - until we meet again.

January 22, 2020

LBSS Class of 1987. He was my first period teacher in 9th grade. That was the year I was going to try to turn it around. Even before class started, life had other ideas. Still enjoyed his class. He had a Far Side cartoon of the dinosaurs smoking cigarettes that said, "The real reason the dinosaurs went extinct.". One of those things I will never forget. We were convinced he was Gary Larson.

Sally Weaver

January 21, 2020

My heart goes out to the Cabiati family. He was my favorite teacher at Lake Braddock (English, 1973). Always so enthusiastic and entertaining. His love for teaching made such an impact. Godspeed, John Cabiati.

Noele DiPalo

January 20, 2020

My sincere condolences to all the Cabiati family. Mr. Cabiati was a treasured part of the Lake Braddock experience of the 70s. His love of entertaining teaching made for a lifelong love of learning.

Ashley Leary

January 20, 2020

Just found out about Mr. Cabiati's passing. I am so sorry to his grieving family for their loss. He was a wonderful teacher and I remember looking forward to his class. Class of 2009. May John rest in peace ❤

January 20, 2020

So sorry for your loss. He was one of my teachers at LBSS and I remember him fondly class of 1980.

Lorleen Robinson

January 20, 2020

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Cabiati family. I fondly remember the gentle giant that never failed to entertain AND educate his 9th grade students at LBSS. Rest In Peace.

Sandi (Gerner) Richardson

January 19, 2020

He was one of the best teachers that I have ever had. It felt like winning the lottery when I saw his name on my class schedule, he was the teacher that we all hoped to have and i got lucky. He was a wonderful teacher, so smart and enthusiastic, and such a kind and compassionate person. Thank you Mr. Cabiati, your love of learning was infectious and I carry it with me and share it with my own students now.

BRIAN MCNABB

January 19, 2020

I'm sad to here of his passing. I was what john referred to as one his original first round draft picks from lake braddock secondary school 1973 teacher advisor some call it home room. He was also my teacher for english, I was never much interested in english until I had john for a teacher. This will come as a loss to anyone who had him for a teacher. I would like to know when and where his memorial is to be held.

Nikki Thiem

January 19, 2020

Love and comfort to the Cabiati Family. Mr. Cabiati was one of my most favorite memories of high school. He was funny, engaging... each class was something to RUN to! And shaped my love for history. Thank you for sharing him with all of us!

January 19, 2020

My condolences to John's family. He was such a great teacher at LBSS and was a friend to all who knew him.

Maria Daski

January 19, 2020

Our heartfelt condolences to John's family. He was a great and caring U.S. History teacher to William and John and a wonderful and respected colleague to me at Lake Braddock.

January 19, 2020

He was such a great teacher and was loved by his students.

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