Richard F. Fabend

Richard Frederic Fabend, 79, formerly of Cuyler and then LaFargeville, passed away on June 26, 2022 in
Syracuse. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home Inc., Watertown.
Richard was born May 3, 1943 in Brooklyn, the son of Ernest and Ione Schier Fabend.
He grew up in Nyack, NY and graduated from Nyack High School and SUNY Cortland. Richard was a
teacher for over 30 years in the Truxton, DeRuyter and South Jefferson school districts. He also worked
for a short time with the New York State Division for Youth. He taught history and later health at
DeRuyter and served as varsity basketball coach for several seasons. At South Jefferson, he was a special
education teacher. In addition, he originated, constructed and facilitated a project adventure course for
the school. He was a mentor, father figure and touched the lives of many students throughout his
tenures at all schools he taught at. A former student posted the following: “(Richard) was an amazing
man! The world and so many of us in it are better because of his positive impact on us.”
After his injury in February 1999, he continued to enjoy the outdoors, teach and inspire others. He never
let his injury slow him down as he continued to kayak, hand cycle, lead seminars related to outdoor
activities for persons with disabilities and continued to pursue his favorite hobby, turkey hunting, where
he continued to achieve success in the field. He also created a web page to share his thoughts, struggles,
inventions and ideas with others who were similarly abled. In addition, he took up fishing and was an
avid fan of Syracuse University sports, particularly the lacrosse team. He was an inspiration to all whose
lives he touched.
Richard is survived by his wife Margaret Burton Fabend, his son Mark Fabend, his daughter Diana
Tafoya, 3 grandchildren Nathan (Crystal) Hitchcock, Tyler Fabend and Kaitlyn Fabend and 8 great-
grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister Carol Watrel, his brother Carl (Firth) Fabend and
several nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his parents and his granddaughter Desirae
Fabend.
Calling Hours will be held from 2-5 pm with a prayer and eulogies at 5 pm on Friday July 8th, 2022 at
Cleveland Funeral Home Inc., 404 Sherman St., Watertown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131
Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, or at www.nnycf.org, designated to establish a scholarship in
Richard’s name.

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