John W. Grab

Harpursville: John W. Grab, 92, formerly of Harpursville, passed away on January 27, 2015 at the Ellis Center in Schenectady. He was born in Binghamton and attended Woodrow Wilson School. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and in the U.S. Army in WW II in the Pacific theater. He received numerous medals including the Purple Heart. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Bills in 1949, and worked for Endicott Johnson and the Binghamton Psychiatric Center. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Church in Sanitaria Springs. He enjoyed his memberships and activities with the First Ward Senior Center, VFW, DAV, and other area senior centers. He was the last of his generation in the family. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth; his infant daughter, Deborah; his brother, Martin and sister-in-law Helen; his in-laws, Helen and Charles Kachmarik; his aunt, Velma Gerlock; his nephew, Martin; his cousins in the Bilck family and many special friends. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Deidre and Shannon Dunn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial mass will be offered at 11 am on Saturday, February 7, at St. Joseph's Church 659 State Rt. 7, Sanitaria Springs. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 am until the time of service. Burial will be at a later date in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery. John was a dedicated supporter of many charities. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider a contribution to a charity of your choice.