Park bench dedicated in Bethel Park youth’s memory
Echoes of the laughter of a little boy drifted through the minds of those in attendance at Pine Tree Park during a bench dedication ceremony in his memory.
On Oct. 20, family, friends and neighbors gathered in the 1.01-acre park of N Street in Ward 4 of Bethel Park to remember Joey Fabus and dedicate a bench and plaque in his memory. Fabus used to play in the park while visiting his aunt, Carrie Berry, before he passed away at age 8 due to an inoperable tumor.
“We used to come here all the time with Joey,” said his mother, Cynthia, who is Berry’s sister. “He used to play here and do his thing.”
Bethel Park Council President John Oakes and Councilman Todd Cenci wanted to do their own thing, too. They used their own personal funds to install a bench near the playground and basketball court in remembrance of Fabus, who died Jan. 21, 2015.
“Joey was a bright and amazing young boy who touched the lives of so many,” said Oakes. “He was a beloved child whose courageous spirit continues to inspire the community.”
The tribute was initiated by Berry, but when council learned that the existing benches in the park couldn’t support a plaque, Cenci and Oakes decided to personally fund a new one and affixed a plaque to honor Fabus in a place he frequented.
“This park meant so much to him,” Oakes said.
Fabus was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), an inoperable brain tumor, at the age of 8. Despite the diagnosis, he remained joyful and full of life, especially when interacting with local police officers. Many of them embraced him as an honorary member of their departments. A special day in his honor was held where Joey was sworn in as an officer and performed some “official” duties.
Though he passed away nearly 10 years ago, his legacy lives on through the Joey Fabus Childhood Cancer Foundation and the annual Joey Fabus Superhero 5K Run/1-Mile Walk, which raises awareness and funds for DIPG research.
Although he never met Joey, Cenci said he knew his family and was moved by his story. Hence he wanted to do something personally. Noting the bench wasn’t a municipal project he said, “I’ve seen the joy Joey brought to so many.
“This is why I got into public service – to help people and to make someone’s day a little brighter,” he added.
The ceremony, attended by Mayor Jack Allen, a handful of Bethel Park police officers, neighbors of the Georgetown housing plan, friends and family, lightened the day for the Fabus family in particular.
Said David Fabus, “It’s touching. Really touching that they would do something like this. You don’t expect it.” Assessing the crowd he added, “Look at all these people that came. They all know us through Joey and they loved him.”
His wife echoed the sentiments. “Quite honestly, we’re completely honored and touched that somebody would do this for us. We’re glad that people still want to carry on his name and help us support his legacy.”