Raphael “Ralph” E. Zabawa

Obituary

Raphael "Ralph" E. Zabawa, 88, of Fall River, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the beloved husband of sixty years to Jacqueline (Lafleur) Zabawa and had been together for sixty-two years.

Raphael was born in Fall River, the son of the late John and Rose (Bogacka) Zabawa. He was a graduate of BMC Durfee High School, class of 1948. Mr. Zabawa honorably served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War and earned two bronze stars and a sharpshooters badge.

Ralph began working at the family business Plymouth Avenue Auto Wash. He then worked reconditioning automobiles and managed the parts store for Paul's Auto Sales, in Somerset, and eventually owned and operated Zab's Auto Parts, also in Somerset, for many years, retiring in 1992. Mr. Zabawa was a member of the Corky Row Club. He enjoyed dancing, swimming, bowling, traveling, going on family vacations, attending theatre productions, and dinner shows. Ralph cherished the time he spent with his wife and family over the years.

Survivors besides his wife are a daughter: Camilla "Cammy" Dewey and her husband Walter of Assonet; a grandson: Ian Valton and his girlfriend Rachel Curi and her family all of Cranston; a brother: Walter Zabawa and his wife Christine of South Carolina; along with several nieces and nephews and dear close friends. He was the brother of the late Mary Carvalho, Frances Legault, John and Stanley Zabawa; also predeceased by several nieces and nephews.

All Services for Mr. Zabawa are private at the request of the family.

Memorial donations in his memory can be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.