Alfred "Al" J. Carrabis

LOWELL - Alfred "Al" J. Carrabis, husband of the late Anne M. (Harrington) Carrabis, and resident of the Highlands section of Lowell, passed away with his family by his side at Lowell General Hospital on Monday, January 9, 2017. He was 87.

Born in Everett on May 22, 1929, Alfred was one of eleven children born to Rocco and Catherine (d'Avino) Carrabis.

Al was a graduate of the former Lowell Technological Institute, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He was employed as an electrical engineer for the Raytheon Corporation, in a career that spanned 38 years.

Al enjoyed ballroom dancing, which is what led him to the Commodore in Lowell, where he met his wife, Anne. They were married in 1959, and went on to raise four children. In addition to dancing, Al also excelled at several other sports. He enjoyed bowling, and fishing, as well as baking, chess, cribbage, and baseball. He was skilled in many trades. An avid sports fan, he rooted for all of the New England teams. Al was noted for his prolific vegetable gardens, which he tended and nurtured annually for over 50 years. He loved to bake and cook, and made an unparalled "gravy." He also held membership in the Knights of Columbus and in Toastmasters International. Most of all for Al, it was about family --about providing for them, and about equipping his children for success in life. His work ethic, pursuit of education, and family devotion were values he instilled early on in his children and throughout his life.

Survivors include his four children, Mary Jo (Carrabis) Cholod and husband Henry, of Tewksbury; Judith Carrabis of Lowell; Jane Carrabis of Tewksbury; and Thomas Carrabis and wife Kathleen of Lowell. In addition, he leaves three cherished grandchildren: Andrew Carrabis, Allison Carrabis, and Aimee Carrabis; and many nieces and nephews.