Fabio E. Fondriest

Fabio E. Fondriest age 90 of Concord, formerly of New York City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at his residence where his loving family had gathered. He was the beloved husband of Viola (Biada) Fondriest.

Born in Cles, Trento, Italy on November 28, 1920 he was the son of the late Luigi and Emma (Mengon) Fondriest.

Raised, educated and apprenticed as a printer in Italy, Fabio moved to the United States in 1947 and settled in New York City. He did not speak English when he arrived but he was determined to learn English and to work for an American newspaper. After several years of self-studying English, while simultaneously working for Italian newspapers in New York, he got the job he wanted in 1954—as a linotype operator for the New York Daily News. He worked at the New York Daily News for the next 28 years until he retired in 1982.

Fabio and Viola first met in Brooklyn in 1956. They married in February 1959 and celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary earlier this year. They were devoted to each other and nurtured a loving family and a wide range of deep friendships in their 52 years.

Fabio pursued a passion for skiing across eight decades, starting as boy in the Dolomites in the Italian Alps. He served in the Alpine Troops in the Italian Army during World War II, and was both a competitive biathlon racer and expert alpine skier. In the U.S., he worked as a ski instructor on weekends for over 30 years. He continued skiing well into his retirement until he finally hung up his skis at age 83.

Fabio also enjoyed dancing, reading history books, discussing current events, but most of all spending time with his family. In 2007 Fabio and Viola moved to Newbury Commons in Concord to be closer to their family. He often expressed his happiness at seeing his grandchildren so frequently over these last four years.

Besides his wife Viola, he is survived by his son, Fabian J. Fondriest and his wife Suzanne and his three grandchildren, Fabian P., Natalie L and Leo A. all of Concord.

A funeral mass celebrating Fabio's life was held on Wednesday, November 23rd at Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord, MA.

GIFTS IN HIS NAME MAY BE MADE TO:
Regis High School
55 East 84th St.,
New York, NY 10028.
www.regis-nyc.org

Arrangements under the care of Glenn D. Burlamachi, CONCORD FUNERAL HOME, Concord.

Proud to be family owned, operated and occupied since 1936.