Morris "Moose" Fabricant, 97, born April 21, 1914, to Harry and Hannah Fabricant in Central Falls, R.I., died on July 8, 2011.
Fabricant known throughout his life as Coach or Moose, had a lifelong interest in sports. He attended prep school in Virginia at Massanutten Military Academy. At RI State College (now URI) he was All State in three sports, earning seven varsity and four freshman letters for the college in baseball and basketball and came under the guidance of Frank W. Keaney, distinguished educator, coach, and scholar. He belonged to Alpha Epsilon Phi Fraternity, and graduated in 1939. He accepted a teaching job in Pawtucket, R.I. Fabricant married the late Tina Baker in Boston, Mass.
Soon after Pearl Harbor was bombed 12/7/41, Fabricant joined the Coast Guard. Assigned to Salem Air Station in Salem, Mass., he was a PE teacher training pilots at the air station. Assigned to a speedboat laden with torpedoes to search and patrol the harbor of Gloucester, Mass., targeting German subs which were known to be offshore. Fabricant received an commendation when he apprehended a fishing boat loaded with provisions for a German sub lurking off the coast. He shipped out to the South Pacific for the next four years until the war ended.
He served on the ammo ship USS Murzim, transferring ammunition to ships. The Murzim played a significant role at the Battle of Leyte Gulf during the invasion of the Philippines, under the command of General Douglas MacArthur.
He returned to his job at Pawtucket High School in Rhode Island, and in 1946 accepted a teaching job at Stonington High School in Connecticut.
At Stonington High School, Fabricant coached the Stonington High School Boys Basketball team to state championships in 1950 and 1956 and the baseball team to a state championship in 1960 as well as numerous Eastern Connecticut Conference championships. Fabricant was the SHS Director of Athletics, Health and Physical Education for many years and retired from teaching in 1976.
He joined the Democratic town committee and spent 12 years on the Board of Education where he represented the school system in state and federal matters. Two major achievements he played a role in were the institution of a health and physical education program in the elementary schools and a major change in the way the SHS athletic program was funded.
Fabricant was inducted into the University of Rhode Island Hall of Fame, the Rhode Island Jewish Athletic Hall of Fame, the Stonington High School Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Coaches Hall of Fame.
Fabricant was a lifelong golfer and was noted for his golfing prowess even at age 93! He regularly outscored people half his age.
He is predeceased by three brothers and two sisters all from Providence, R.I., where they owned and operated Peoples Market, one of the first modern supermarkets in Providence.
He is survived by his son, Andrew; daughter-in-law, Michelle of St. Petersburg, Fla., and companion, Jeanne Schwartz, Delray Beach, Fla.
Anyone who knew Moose was charmed by his wit and joyful nature. To honor Morris, sing to someone you know, tip your hat the next time you tee off or send a thought to the departed soul of this dear, sweet man.
Sinai Memorial Chapel in Delray Beach, Fla., handled the cremation.
Private internment will be at Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, R.I., Monday, Aug. 15.
A Remembrance Reception will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Elmridge Golf Club, 229 Elmridge Road, Pawcatuck, Conn. All are welcome.
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