Obituary of John Fatula

John A. Fatula

March 1937 - December 2013

John Fatula was a wordsmith par excellence who loved to laugh. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of a wide range of topics, including baseball, with a special nod to his beloved Philadelphia Phillies. He loved music, particularly opera, and went to see live performances at every opportunity.

John also had a passion for art. An artist himself, he took pride in attention to detail as is evidenced in the many books and other pieces of art he created. His incredible sense of humor, tempered by his warm and kind gentle spirit, has touched us all. Family and close friends, as well as acquaintances, were blessed to be a part of his life.

John Fatula was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As an infant, he moved to Watertown, New York where his father managed the Woodruff Hotel. John's father died when John was ten and his mother took John and his sister Margaret back to Philadelphia to be with their extended family. He was in the 204 graduating class of Central High School. When wore his Central cap, he was often greeted with, "What Class?" John graduated from Penn State University with a five-year degree in architectural engineering. Any time he passed a person with a Penn State logo, he would proudly call out "WE ARE". After graduation, he moved back to Philadelphia where he lived most of his life with the exception of ten years in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

While at Penn State, John married Barb Keeley and had a son, Andy.

After they divorced, John met Dian Mergentime and they were married in 1966. They had twins, David and Emily. John was a devoted and loyal person whose life centered on his family. Dian passed away in 1995.

John began his architectural career at Vincent Kling's office and then moved to the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, where he was head architect for 17 years. He ended his working career with one of his life-long friends, at The Office of Charles King.

John met Audrey Lee and they were married in 1996. It was on their honeymoon in Ireland that John began the series of sketches that were later published as notecards.

In 1998 John happily retired. In 1999 John and Audrey moved to Cape Elizabeth, Maine at the suggestion of their friends, the Juers. They lived catty-cornered to each other.

Maine agreed with John. John dedicated his time to his many loves. He was a valued docent and treasurer of the Portland Museum of Art; He eagerly spent every Wednesday in his 'sandbox' at the Seashore Trolley Museum restoring old trolleys. He used his architectural experience to renovate 27 Reef Road. He was especially concerned that their home fit into the neighborhood as if it had always been there. He entertained passers-by playing his banjo on the front deck. While he remained a loyal Phillies fan, he also supported the Boston Red Sox and was delighted when they finally won the World Series. He called the time in Maine, his Magical Years, referring to his marriage as "The John 'n Audrey Show".

In 2010, The John 'n Audrey Show moved back to Philadelphia. John was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2012. Throughout his illness, he retained his sense of humor and positive attitude. During his seven year battle with "Lewy" his motto was Never, Never, Never give up. And he never did.

John will be remembered for many things: His wife Audrey for fulfilling her request that he 'teach her how to be married'. Emily and David will remember him for creating a fun relaxed home with Dian full of love and warmth where everyone was always welcome; the late Andy Loeb for giving him his sense of humor and his appreciation of life. His grandchildren, Joseph, Gavin and Ali Loeb, Ben, Max and Rebecca Waldman and Phoebe Fatula will remember him for his wonderful sense of humor, his love and knowledge of baseball, and "Granddad's Famous Pancakes." He will always be loved and held in the hearts of Audrey's family and all of John's extended family and friends.

John asked that two things be at this service celebrating his life. To honor his request, Richard Lee, Brian Dorais and Tim Laborie will lead us in "Charlie and the MTA" as part of his celebration. To recognize that the legacy of John's life continues, there is an unfinished book project on display in the meeting room.

John donated his brain to the University of Pennsylvania Brain Research Program. The family requests that in lieu of flowers; please consider making a donation. Lewy Body Dementia Association. www.lbda.org