Born on August 19, 1943 in Riverside, New Jersey
Passed March 21, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida
Arthur Earl Fabritiis was born on August 19, 1943 in Riverside, New Jersey and went to his eternal home on March 21, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida. He was the beloved son of Anne Donatiello Fabritiis and Orlando Earl Fabritiis. Art was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his loving wife Davidina (Davina); his brother Edward Fabritiis; sister Donna Kane; son Steven Arthur Fabritiis; daughter Jeanne Catherine Fabritiis; and grandsons John Thomas Fabritiis and Ryan Fabritiis.
Art always was on a mission to spread the message of love and hope that only Jesus Christ can provide whether at a local eatery, beach evangelism or walking the sidewalks wherever. Over the years, he made multiple mission trips to places like the Ukraine, Poland, Haiti, Peru, South America and other exotic locations, such as Palm Bay’s Hammock Landing bus stop. His dedication to his faith and his desire to bring light to those in need epitomized his joyful and generous nature. Outside of his missionary work, Art found joy traveling the open road with his beloved wife Davina as they journeyed back to her ancestral home of Ireland, to botanical gardens on the various journeys to see family in Connecticut, the Billy Graham Training Center (The Cove) in North Carolina, and spiritual family retreats.
He was a superb athlete who excelled at running. He competed in and completed many marathons in New York and Boston. He also was in involved in youth sports as a referee for both soccer and lacrosse.
Art was man of diverse interests he loved listening to Pastor Joe Foche as he rode in the car as he motored about town. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Brevard County Library. Although it would seem like Art was a very busy man, he always had time to talk with and all about peoples’ eternal salvation which was his greatest passion.
Those who knew Art will remember him for his mischievous grin, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. It can honestly be said that he never met a stranger, just a friend whose name he had not learned.
The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Arthur Fabritiis will be held on April 12, 2025 at Calvary Chapel Eau Galle, 1591 Highland Ave., Melbourne, Florida, 32935 at 10:00am.
Although Art’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love in all that we do. Art, as you continue to worship Jesus in Heaven, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
Please consider donations in his memory to: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, One Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
8 entries.
Emily Wright
from Palm Bay wrote on April 8, 2025:
Art was everyone's crazy uncle. He was funny and loved to laugh and joke. When he worked at Calvary Chapel Melbourne, he created a poster sized picture of his grinning face and taped it in the doorway of the IT Department office. Not expecting to see his silly mug first thing in the morning, at least one person let out a surpised scream. Another time, Art and Steve Zades played a prank on the Purchasing team by hiding a new file cabinet in the women's bathroom. These antics made happy memories and taught me that it's OK to be playful and have fun while also being serious about our walk with God.
Jokes were also played on Art, especially by CCM missionaries while they were home on furlough. One missionary couple wrapped evey item in his office before they made their getaway out of the country. Another time, they plastered pictures of themselves everywhere throughout his office. He was still finding their selfies months later and even years. I'm not even going to mention the stinky fruit incident.
Art was my treasured friend, my mentor, at at one time my boss. He helped train me as an evangelist and a leader. We started the bus stop ministry with our friend Debbie Hatch, who passed away last year. On Art's grouchy days, and Debbie used to call him, "Senior Cranky Pants." Those cranky pants are long gone. Oh how they are both rejoicing in Heaven!
Art opened up the world to me. I followed him around the world several times on mission trips to Ukraine and Mexico. In Ukraine, Art's love for children and elderly adults shone brightly. He was always in the center of fun, drawing people together to hear the gospel and learn about God. All the kids wanted to play with Art, and all the old ladies wanted to marry him. While on the mission field, I learned to keep a close eye on Art between 2:00 - 3:00 pm when he would quietly sneak away to buy ice cream. The lucky team members who were with him during that magical time could pick out a frozen treat too!
Among the things I learned from Art were:
- Witness to the first person you see when you get out of the car at an outreach to shake off nervousness.
- Playing dumb is a great way to draw people into a conversation.
- The greatest leaders are humble servants.
- Popcorn is a complete meal.
- Fill your suitcase with Ukrainian chocolate before returning home.
- Never pass up the opportunity to use a bathroom.
- Share your faith as often as possible as you go about your normal activities, because no one is guaranteed another breath.
To Davina and all who are grieving, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give you comfort and strength as you remember and honor Art's memory. Be encouraged in knowing that all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be reunited with Jesus and Art in Heaven. Art will meet you at the coffee counter.
Stephen Huff
from Titusville wrote on April 8, 2025:
To my friend. You will always be one of a kind and your devotion to the Lord, and your love for life can never be matched.
I met Art when I started working as a HighSchool soccer referee. His faith in God, enthusiasm for life and his love of the game inspired me and all that his life touched. His larger than life personality and instant connection with all those that he met was truly remarkable. I will always remember him as a wonderful man and inspiration friend.
RIP ART
Doug Smith
from Melbourne wrote on April 7, 2025:
When I first met Art I had just come off a trip flying and on that trip my other pilot asked me “What is it to be a Christian?” I knew but I really didn’t know how to truly share the answer completely, I know that I was challenged by God that trip! How? One reason is that when I got home off the 3 day trip in the Church bulletin was an announcement to learn how to share your faith by taking a class called “The way of the Master.”
That is where I first met Art. Coincidence? Definitely not. It was in that class that I learned that I had a deep desire and passion to become an evangelist. My very first BIG outreach was with Art, Lisa Petrowski, and Steve Zades up in Daytona Beach during spring break. There we were talking to young college students and many more people. “WOW!” I was in love with doing this and Art made it seem so natural. Art was one of the best mentors in teaching me and showing me what it was like to share my faith with complete strangers. Art was a 100% complete Natural in doing just that.
From that first outreach God launched us into a complete full on local evangelism ministry! The NKF, The Easter Surf Fest, Beach Outreaches, UCF College FIT College, Valkaria Air Show, downtown Melbourne, Vero Beach even and so many other places that God just sent us. It wasn’t just speaking but also doing because Art was always one who helped at the big outreaches to set up, be involved and then tear down the tents and equipment when it was over! Art was our “energizer bunny” with what seemed like unending energy to help!
My brother in Christ, Art Fabritis When I had to have a serious operation it was Art who showed up at the hospital before I went in to pray with me and my wife! He always was praying for me and God’s ministry through us and life was so good serving with him!
I can say with love and peace that Art was such a tremendous and positive Christ Centered friend and mentor and brother that I could ever have! I can still hear his voice talking to these people of all walks of life! He used to love to say, “You know there is a rocket launch coming up” as one of his intros into conversations. Art I know that there were people who went before you to Heaven, that were there to say “thank you” when you arrived, because you actually “DID” take the time to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit in sharing the Gospel with them.
In that, Art was a runner and I envision him running through the gates of Heaven and all these people standing by the side that were brought to Christ through Arts answering to the call to share the Gospel and cheering Art onto the finish line with the greatest Win and Victory of All, Heaven for all of eternity!
Art, a part of you lives on in me as a valued friend and brother in Christ! You were loved my friend for all that you were and all that you did! Amen
Matt Helmintoller
from Rockledge wrote on March 31, 2025:
My dear friend. Art was someone I deeply respected. He was one of the shining lights I experienced as I worked at CCM. He worked with me. Laughed with me. Offered exceptional counsel. He was one of the only guys who called it like it was. He was always wanting to be on the side of right even when that differed from what leadership was around him. The definition of character and love blended with joy and mischief. He was true. He was a friend to me. He is with our Father. He has received his reward. All is good in his new heavenly hood. Love you Art.
Oksana
from Melbourne, FL wrote on March 28, 2025:
My favorite memory with Art was sharing our birthdays together (I was born on August 19th as well) in Ukraine during one of our missions trips. That night, the team, the church, and us did acoustic worship around bonfire. During the mission trip, Art encouraged the whole team to share the gospel even at the bus stops as we waited for our bus. He’d say “you have 2 mins to share your testimony and Jesus” we learned to do just that. He had such HUGE heart for the lost and people of Ukraine. Now… Art is having all the ice cream he can ever have, in Heaven!
Taras Levchuk
from Osnabrueck, germany, kiev, ukraine wrote on March 28, 2025:
It was a pleasure to meet Art in Nizhyn, Ukraine and in Florida. I think Art inspired some other believers who will spread the Good News.
Roberta & Glenn Schierhorst
from Melbourne wrote on March 27, 2025:
Artie was a wonderful person. He always had a smile on his face for everyone. He was the first person to greet us when we moved to Bayberry. He will be missed by many.
Eric & Sharon Kopf
from Melbourne wrote on March 25, 2025:
We sure will miss you Art, however, I know, for a fact, you are having a blast dancing on the streets of Gold, with our Heavenly Father.🙏
I’ll never forget the first time we met at Calvary Chapel, when we were in charge of the Drama Team for Calvary along with Rose Gier McLaughlin. We had so much fun putting together all the plays for the church. What fun we all had. You always had a heart of gold.
Our sweet dogs, Bella, (rip) and Sophie always loved you watching them when we went out of town. They loved coming to your house and taking them for a long walks around your neighborhood. We always called it Arthur‘s Boot Camp lol. The minute we entered your neighborhood they knew where they were and their tails started wagging. We will all miss you and we’ll all meet up one glorious day
I know you heard those words well done, good and faithful servant, and we are rejoicing for you, however, you will be dearly missed by all.
Born on August 19, 1943 in Riverside, New Jersey