Obituary of Garabed A. Fattal

Obituary Print Dr. Garabed A. Fattal | Visit Guest Book Fattal, Dr. Garabed A. Binghamton: Dr. Garabed A. Fattal died peacefully on Friday morning, April 27, 2012 at the home of his daughter. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Adballah and Marie Fattal. He is survived by his children, Nora and Quintin Gibbs of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Peter and Karen Fattal of Saginaw, MI, and Corinne and Dr. Michael Farrell of Binghamton, NY. He is also survived by his beloved 10 grandchildren, Erin and Brandon Gibbs, Alexander, Zachary, Ryan and Jessica Fattal, Haley, Taylor, Jamie and Remy Farrell; and the mother of his children, Dr. Irma M. Fattal; his sisters and brothers, Anahid Laurice, Loucine, Avedis and Jean; and many special nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his dear friend Ursula Findikyan and her family. Born and raised in Aleppo, Syria, he later received his medical training in Beirut, Lebanon. He was the first in his family to move to the United States, where he completed his training in Pathology. After practicing Pathology in Canada for ten years, he warmly embraced his new community of Binghamton, NY and found a stimulating, scientific environment as director of the laboratory at General Hospital. He played a pivotal role in the consolidation of the hospitals and served as the director of the laboratories at UHS for over 25 years. Along with his position as director, he embraced his relationships not only with his colleagues but with many of the staff in the hospital. His kind and gentle demeanor was appreciated and loved by those who worked with him. He showed a passion for teaching, becoming intimately involved, both as an instructor and administrator, at the SUNY HSC Clinical Campus. Among his many roles and involvements, he served for over 25 years on the admissions committee for Upstate Medical University. "I slept and dreamt that life was joy, I awoke and saw that life was service, I served and behold, I found that service was joy." Dr. Fattal carried this quote in his wallet and lived his life with this principle in mind. After retirement, he continued and enhanced his commitment to service. He was troubled deeply by the plight of the uninsured people of our community and with his passion, guidance and the commitment of many dedicated people, created a clinic that served as a haven for quality health care for the uninsured. This clinic now proudly bears his name and will serve as a legacy to his commitment to service. He also had a passion for his Armenian heritage and was a proud member of St. Gregory's the Illuminator Armenian Church, serving on the parish council for many years. One of his goals in his life was to replant the forests in Armenia. He gifted many thousands of trees in honor of his grandchildren (who came to expect the certificate of trees purchased under the Christmas tree every year!). His children often teased him that anyone in need would find him to be a soft hearted philanthropist. He was an avid traveler who traveled the world. He loved to sail, even though he could not swim, was passionate about skiing, even though he hated heights, and loved to bike, making the trek from Binghamton to Owego his weekly ritual. He spoke 5 languages fluently and would often flow seamlessly from one to another in conversation with friends and family. His biggest passion, however, was his love for family. He was immensely proud of his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. His greatest joy and reason for living was his children and grandchildren, to whom he devoted his life. Funeral Services will be held at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Leroy and Oak Streets, Binghamton on Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Dr. Fattal may be made to Dr. Garabed A. Fattal Community Free Clinic, c/o Clinical Campus, 425 Robinson Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin from April 28 to April 30, 2012 Follow this Obituary Follow on Facebook Get Email Updates Share with Others