John Michael Tabak, USAF
April 5, 1921 – September 12, 2012

John Michael Tabak, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday September 12th 2012 in Bridgeport Hospital following a short illness.

John was born on April 5, 1921 in Stratford CT, son of Mary Hrasch Tabak and Andrew Tabak, immigrants from Toryska, Austro-Hungary in the early 1900’s.

He resided in Stratford for his 91 years, graduating from Stratford High School in 1941. He served in World War II as a B-17 Fight Engineer with the 457th Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force, in England, and in the Korean War as a helicopter specialist at Langley Field, VA. John worked as a Logistics Engineer for 39 years at Sikorsky Aircraft.

In 1948 John and Beverly Virginia Gaito were married in Christ Episcopal Church, Stratford. They enjoyed 64 years together, travelling around the world after their children were grown. John was a very active participant in the Masonic Order, Lafayette Consistory (32°, May 1, 1967); America-St. John’s Lodge #8, A.F. and A.M. (joined March 27, 1956); Scottish Rite; DeWitt Clinton Lodge of Perfection; Washington Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Pequannock Chapter Rose Croix. He was honored to receive the Arthur M. Brown Meritorious Service Award at the Connecticut Council of Deliberation on June 10, 1994. John was also a member of the Pyramid Temple of Shriners, International Legion of Honor, the Stratford American Legion Post 42, Army Air Force Round Table of CT, Disabled American Veterans, 457th Bomb Group Association, Czechoslovakia Genealogical Society International, Carpatho-Rusyn Historical Society, Baldwin Senior Center Men’s Club, Stratford Historical Society, Sterling House Community Center, Garibaldi Square Club, and the Police Square Club of CT.

In addition to his beloved wife, John is survived by his precious daughter Lisa Mari Tabak and her husband, Lisle Gibbs of Delaware OH, his loving son Timothy William Tabak and his wife, Sandra K. Royle-Tabak, of New Bern NC, and his beautiful grandchildren Miriam Tabak Gibbs and Benjamin Tabak Gibbs of Delaware OH. Also surviving are a brother, Andrew and wife Carolyn of Winsted CT, Sister Anna Karpinowich of Ansonia CT, Sister Mildred Smith of Bridgeport CT and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by a brother, Alexander and sisters, Dorothy and Marion.

Visiting hours will be on Friday, September 14, 2012, 4-7 pm at the Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford. Panachida will be at 5PM and Masonic Services will be at 6:30PM. Funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 15, 2012, 9:30 a.m., at the Carpatho Russian Orthodox Church of Saint John the Baptist, 364 Mill Hill Ave., Bridgeport. Burial will follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery, 215 Dewey Street, Bridgeport with Full Military Honors.

Donations would be appreciated to the Shiners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104-2396.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

September 14, 2012
John was my first boss after graduating from college and starting at Sikorsky. He was a kind, understanding and always encouraging soul who taught me a lot. I’m a better man for having known him. My condolences to his family.
~
Mark Gilleylen of Cheshire CT

September 13, 2012
Our heartfelt sympathy, J. Richard Fiorillo of Daniel Island, SC
~
Elaine and Richard Fiorillo

September 13, 2012
We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Matt & Danielle Jagoe of Stratford, CT
~
Robert & Jill Veteri of Stratford, CT

September 13, 2012
John, We will miss you dearly. You were such a wonderful man and a wonderful friend. We had been neighbors ever since we moved to Stratford 29 years ago. This place will not be the same without you but you will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
~
Jill and Robert Veteri