David Rabito

David Rabito, of Parrish, FL., formerly of Southington and Meriden, died Tuesday, (September 29, 2009) at home after a valiant yet graceful fight with pancreatic cancer. Born in Meriden on March 17, 1942 to the late Gaspar and Eleanora (D'Addario) Rabito, Dave was a graduate of Lyman Hall High School and New England Technical School. He is survived by his wife, Maureen; daughters, Diana Atad and husband, Brian of Chicago, IL., Dawn Carlson and husband, Andrew of New Milford; stepsons, Colin Buechler and wife, Sheila of Austin, TX., Kevin Buechler and wife, Anne of Cornelius, N.C., and six grandchildren, Cat, Nell, Jake, Emma, Sophie and Liza Buechler. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marjorie (Hexter). Dave enjoyed working for 33 years with his colleagues at the SNET Central Office in Meriden before retiring in 2001.
Dave was a dedicated volunteer firefighter in Meriden and Southington.  After retiring from volunteer service, he continued to assist the Glastonbury Fire Department in their instructional program. He was a member and past president of the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association and a member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, the Connecticut State Firefighters Irregulars Association, the AT&T Pioneers Organization, the Connecticut Union of Telephone Workers and the Connecticut Firemen's Historical Society. Dave was an avid music lover, especially of the Big Band era, and had a love of steam trains and antique trucks and cars. He moved to Florida three years ago and enjoyed the laid-back lifestyle and wonderful climate. Despite his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer several months ago, Dave maintained a positive and humorous attitude throughout his last months and always strived to make sure others were comfortable during his ordeal.