Kenneth Fahrbach

Kenneth William Fahrbach died peacefully in Winston- Salem on March 3, 2023, at age 96. He was born April 12, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Kenneth and Helen Fahrbach and remembered a happy childhood on Clearfield Street in Kensington. During his final two years at Mastbaum Vocational High School he worked nights in a factory to support the war effort. His entire graduating class enlisted on their graduation day in 1944. Ken followed in his father's footsteps and chose the U.S. Navy. He served in the Atlantic Fleet on the U.S.S. Merak, a chartered United Fruit Company "banana boat." Later he recalled visits to ports in Iceland, Scotland, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and North Africa as well as an offshore glimpse of Sicily. After the war, he returned to Philadelphia and completed his apprenticeship as a machinist at G. F. Goodman & Son Machine Shop. He then worked at many shops in and around Philadelphia. He also raced motorcycles, drove cross country, and sailed down the intercostal waterway to Florida. He met Helen Young on a blind date that she accepted because "the fellow had a motorcycle." They married in 1954 in Philadelphia, where they lived until moving to Horsham, Pennsylvania, in 1980.

Ken outlived many of his family members and friends, including his wife of 49 years, who predeceased him in 2003. Surviving to treasure memories of time with him are his daughters, Susan Fahrbach (Jon Christman) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Joanne Craven (Bill Craven) of Levittown, PA; four grandsons, Will Craven (Erica), Kenny Craven (Nicole), Maurice Robinson (Diana Camosy), and Nate Robinson; five great grandchildren, Ryleigh, Mackenzie, Gemma, Lily, and Asher, also a very senior cat, Roger.

Ken worked nights for many years as a machinist for the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper. He was a proud and active member of his union, the International Association of Machinists, an uncompromising Democrat, and an unwavering supporter of Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Eagles, the Phillies, and, his new favorite, the Philadelphia Union of MLS.

Ken enjoyed time spent with family and friends, cars, travel, and all types of music, but especially loved the swing music of the Big Band Era. He had a huge record collection, including many 78s, and was a devoted fan of WRDV, a community radio station based in Warminster, Pennsylvania, dedicated to his favorite music. Fortunately, his grandson Maurice is a vinyl enthusiast who will give the record collection the good home it deserves. Earlier gifts of tools and his classic Buick were much appreciated by grandson Kenny. Roger the cat has found a loving home with daughter Joanne and son-in-law Bill.

When he could no longer safely live alone, Ken enjoyed one last road trip, this time in September 2022 to North Carolina to join the assisted living community of Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem. His final six months were enlivened by the many friendly Brighton Garden staff and residents, and we know he would want to convey his warmest thanks to all who live and work there. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.