Clarence Peter Farabaugh

Clarence Peter Farabaugh, formerly of Westshore Drive in Ashtabula, left this life Wednesday June 14, 2023. He was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1926. The eldest son of George Edwin Farabaugh and Mary (Hankey) Farabaugh, he attended St. Benedict Catholic School and graduated from Greensburg High in1944 .

Growing up during the Depression, his first job was passing out handbills with his brother and later, painting houses and working at a local glass bottle maker. About to be drafted during WWII, he chose to enlist in the Navy, serving as quartermaster on the USS Tuscaloosa in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, he joined many of his fellow servicemen in attending college on the GI Bill. He attended Seton Hill College, Greensburg, then graduated from Penn State University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Fuel Technology from the School of Mineral Science. He took a management position at steel maker Youngstown Sheet and Tube, spending his career overseeing operations at the Campbell Coke Works. He witnessed the decline of the steel industry in the 1970’s, helping to decommission the once mighty Youngstown Steel Valley.

In 1951 he brought his new bride, Jeanne Glasstetter, to Youngstown. Settling in Boardman, they raised five children, an endeavor that also utilized Clarence’s management skills. Clarence took great pride in his family, instilling solid values of hard work and loyalty. He enjoyed working on his home, most notably detaching a garage and moving it on logs to make space for a two-story addition he built connecting the garage and original house. He also led some memorable family vacations, including a station wagon ride across the United States and back, visiting multiple National Parks. However, some of the most enjoyable times were spent with family at Cook Forest Pennsylvania and the Laurel Highlands.

In his retirement, he continued to travel with Jeanne and lent his talents to helping his children with their home building projects. Family was always an important focus with frequent visits and holiday celebrations. He also had a strong Catholic faith, attending daily Mass with Jeanne as long as they both were able.

Clarence is survived by his brother, Gerald Farabaugh of Portland, Oregon; his sister, Althea Farabaugh of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; and his children, Ann (Tony) Rapose of Ashtabula, Andrew (Kathy) Farabaugh of Massillon, Joan (Frank) Pitchler of Perry, Beth (Steve) Albery of Dennison, and Mary Ellen (Kevin) Babcock of Wakeman; as well as 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife of 68 years, Jeanne.

Clarence’s family misses him deeply but celebrates the fullness of his life and the many ways he has gifted us through the years. The family will gather for a Catholic Mass and celebration of Clarence’s life at a later date.

We want to extend our gratitude to Clarence’s caregivers, Cindy, Joyce, and Carol, who greatly assisted his daughter, Ann, in making Clarence’s home comfortable and enjoyable. We also want to recognize ACMC, the Cleveland Clinic, Ashtabula County Nursing Home, and Hospice of the Western Reserve for the excellent care given Clarence in his final days.

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