Obituary
Fabian Rodriguez, age 73, died on March 9, 2019, in Sunnyside, NY, surrounded by family. Fabian was born Dec. 8, 1945 in Gilman, Colorado to Fabian and Della (Lujan) Rodriguez, and is the second of ten children, all who share many fond memories of growing up in a big family and the adventures of living in such a small town. Fabian graduated from Battle Mountain High School in 1964 and in 1968 was drafted into the Army where he was a supply clerk. After the Army, he lived in Denver and worked as a bartender for The Playboy Club. He lived in Los Angeles for a while and found his home in New York where he continued to bartend for numerous places including the Helmsley Hotel.
Fabian was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Elmer and Frank. He is survived by his siblings Ruby Medina, Anthony (Chella) Rodriguez, Cynthia (Terry) Hollingsworth, Donna (Albert) Sisneros, Maria Rodriguez and Steven Rodriguez, including numerous nephews, nieces and great nephews/nieces. Throughout his life he made many friends, who fell in love with his humor and giving heart. He was direct and sometimes off the wall, but he was relatable and cared deeply to those close to him. His trips back to Colorado were some of the best memories of him with his family. Everyone got excited when he would come to visit. They made his favorite foods from home, and caught up on each others lives, laughing and sharing good times. It wasn’t long before many of his family members got to visit him in New York. He lived in a little studio in midtown and treated us like kings and queens while visiting him and made sure the red carpet was rolled out for us. He took us to the finest restaurants (Windows of the world) numerous Broadway plays (Beautiful, Jersey Boys, Dear Evan Hansen), and even giving up his bed so others were comfortable. He was loved dearly by his family and friends and will be deeply missed.
The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time and appreciate his friends in New York who were there through the good and hard times. You were his family here and will continue to be a part of our family. We appreciate your condolences and stories of Fabian.
Services
Affordable Cremation Services of New York
130 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, New York 11722
(516) 546-4626
Map
I was deeply saddened to hear of my dear friend Fabian passing.I had the pleasure of working with him for 19 years.I loved him like a brother and we shared so many fun times.He referred to me as "Munchkin" because of my small stature.He was a very private person but when one got to know they would see what a kind ,caring,generous considerate person he was.I could confide in him and know it would go no further.I moved back to Ireland in 2001 but spoke to him many times on the phone including during his illness.He was a very special person and I will always treasure his friendship. May he rest in peace.God Bless you Fabian.
I can’t even begin to put into words how wonderful , gentle , funny, and kind Fabian was . I worked with Fabian at The Helmsley 1985-1993 . We had an ongoing joke between us, that if neither of us were married by the time I hit 40 , that we would get hitched ( for the health care of course ;). Rest In Peace my beautiful friend ; someday we’ll be together ,
Will miss my old friend,look forward to the resurrection
Ruby, Maria and Cynthia - have been in my thoughts since you left Colorado to by Fabian’s side....I used to love hearing about your trips to NYC to visit your brother and how he really showed you the town! So sorry for your loss.
I am so blessed to have had a relationship with Fabian. He always made me laugh and I knew he loved me. I will miss him, my biggest regret is that I did not go visit him. Jr. and Jennie always brought back the best stories of the time spent with him. Life is so short and we are blessed by the people we share it with. Love you always my dear Fabian. Julie
Sharing a piece of my heart. Here's a text I sent to my Tio Fabian on 3/3/19: Hello Tio Fabian❣️ it's Nicole. Just wanted to tell you that I love you so much. From the age of 3, I remember knowing you. When my mom would tell me "uncle Jr. Is coming from NY" my world would light up with joy. Still to this day, just thinking of you brings sparkle within and takes me to a place of happiness followed by laughter. You are so funny, loving, caring and generous. I admire the way you are brutally honest 😂 I especially loved being pen pals throughout the years. Back in the day! 50 W. 55th Street Apt 6R NY, NY 10019 ....I still remember. I am so blessed to have went there too! Climbing lots of stairs to get there! I recall the letter you once sent me ~ it was a puzzle! OR the time you sent me a card to say congrats on going to be a mom. " I heard you swallowed a watermelon seed" is what it said. I was overcome with immediate Joy😍 all from a card. But it wasn't the card itself, it was the personification you gave it. Thank you for taking time. What a gift!!! Thank you also for taking us to see Miss Saigon, a truly unforgettable experience. Afterwards we went to the Marriot where it slowly spins and you can see the city at night, beautiful times🌃 This is not goodbye, this is goodnight and I love you. Sending Hugs and L❤️VE in this text. I will carry a piece of you with me always. You mean so much to me and I am forever grateful to call you Tio. Peace be with you and God bless you. All my love 💗 Nicole
In Loving Memory of my uncle
I’ve known Fabian since 1986 when we worked together at The New York Helmsley. A lot of fond memories I have of Fabian. We was a kind & gentle man with a very funny side to him. I am saddened by his loss. I will miss him. My condolences go out to his family and his many friends. Fabian was truly one of a kind. Rest In Peace Fabian.
My dear Fabian, I hope your spirit is as free in heaven as it was on earth. Thank you for your friendship in the years I had with you. You were always there for a good laugh and I’m sorry I didn’t get to say good bye. My condolences to all that loved him. He was a great man!
Fabian family, May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time . Fabian is Gone from our sight , but never from our hearts 🙏
I work with Fabian for 29 years always a pleasure to work with him we continued being friends after l retired from the hotel many happy memories l will never forget him.
I am honored and blessed to have known your dear brother and your uncle Fabian. He was truly a blessing in my life and I will miss him. My deepest condolences to you all. RIP dear friend!!!! Forever friends...
Work with Fabian for 29 years he was such a pleasure to work with always fun and our friendship continued even after l retired from the Helmsley I will never forget him l will miss him.
Fabian will be sorely missed by many - - RIP, dear friend!
To Fabian's family: I am an old friend of Fabian's - I knew him for almost 50 years (We worked together at the Playboy Club in Denver.) I just want you to know I thought the world of him; he was one of the nicest people I've ever known. Please accept my very sincere condolences. He will be missed.
Patrick Holmes posted on June 4, 2019