FAIRBANKS, Dr. Joseph P. III, long time Hamilton family physician, died peacefully at Berkeley Square Retirement Homes in Hamilton, on Thursday July 17, 2008 at the age of 84.

Joe was born August 21, 1923 in Newark, NJ to Joseph P. Fairbanks, Jr. and Lavinia Sayer Fairbanks and was the oldest of three children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George Fairbanks, also of Newark. Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1949 and attained the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. On March 23, 1946 he was united in Holy Matrimony to Elizabeth Sehlstedt from Catonsville, MD.

Joe graduated St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, NJ and studied later at St. Peter's College and at Villanova University. He received his M.D. from Georgetown University in 1948.

Joe came to Ohio in 1950 to work on the staff at Mercy Hospital in Hamilton and begin his career in family practice. He and his wife were parishioners at St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church and raised a large family in Hamilton.

To his friends and family, Joe was known as a quick-witted and amiable man, never at a loss to talk about his family and varied interests. A consummate hobbyist, Joe immersed himself in golf, sailing, billiards, carpentry, auto mechanics, and most recently photography.

Dr. Fairbanks is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty (nee Sehlstedt), their fourteen children and 22 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Therese (Sr. Mary Joseph, O.P.), from North Guilford, CT.

Friends may call Monday evening between 5 - 7pm at Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10am Tuesday in St. Peter in Chains Church, Liberty and Ridgelawn Ave. followed by burial in St. Stephen Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made, in Joe's memory, to Butler County MRDD. Online register book at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com