Joseph A. Grabowski

The morning of June 5th, 2020, Joe answered the Lord’s call while sitting on his front porch enjoying the beautiful sunshine, his freshly cut lawn and the cool temperatures.  This was one of Joe’s favorite places to sit and enjoy the home he built with the help of his wife and family in 1974.

Joe and his wife Ada Diane were to celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary later this month.  Forty six years filled with purpose, adventure, joy and devotion.  Devotion to each other and their son, Timothy.  Joe spent many years actively participating in Tim’s life, from coaching Little League baseball teams to the Boy Scouts of America where he served as Assistant Scout Master to Medina’s Troop 35.  In that role he guided many of the young men of Troop 35 as they came into adulthood, with the pinnacle of his and Tim’s scouting experience being high adventure camping at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Joe embraced a disciplined life from an early age, entering the US Army National Guard shortly after graduating from Medina High School.  He served our country as a member of the Reserves for six years, attending Officer’s Training School and was honorably discharged in 1968 at the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Often remarking that his goal was to be retired as long as he worked, he retired from General Motors/Harrison Radiator in 1999 after a tenure of 40 years.  Joe began his career at GM first as an apprentice electrician, completing his apprenticeship in 1964 and was promoted to Journeyman Electrician.  Due to his reputation, skill and attention to detail, Joe was asked to support Harrison’s international team of skilled tradesmen and engineers, being sent to places such as South Korea, France, Luxembourg and Brazil.

In his retirement, Joe’s sole focus was his family and among his greatest joys in life was Timothy’s marriage to Kaylea, and most recently, the birth of his granddaughter Adriana Leigh in March of 2020.  His time as grandpa was short but gave him immense happiness and pride.  He would often greet his granddaughter via Facetime sessions with a ‘Hey beautiful!’ and finish with ‘Give that beautiful granddaughter of mine a kiss for me!’

Joe loved to travel both internationally and within the United States with his wife Diane, making new friends and acquaintances wherever he went.  He enjoyed classic cars and was a frequent fixture at the Medina Cruise Nights with his 1957 Pontiac StarChief.  He kept his electrician’s skills sharp even in retirement, always willing to assist friends and family with any type of electrical improvement or repair.

Joe’s life is also celebrated by his brother, Francis (Donna); mother-in-law, (Jean Kish); sister-in-law, Martha (Tom); brothers-in-law, Thomas (Cindy) and Steven (Sue); God daughter, Catherine; and many nieces, nephews and very dear friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents and father-in-law. 

Due to current circumstances, a private graveside service will be held for the immediate family on Joe’s 79th birthday in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Joe and his family support Hospice of Orleans County as their preferred charity. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 West Center St., Medina.