William Grabofski

     William J. "Bill" Grabofski, 88, of Erie, died Thursday, July 10, 2014 at St. Vincent Health Center.  Formerly of Chelsea Ave., Erie and Johnsonburg, PA. 

     He was born Aug. 6, 1925, in Johnsonburg, son of the late Herman and Helen Koppitch Grabofski.  A 1942 graduate of Johnsonburg High School, he was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Coast Guard.  Bill studied layout design, drafting, and engineering at Penn State University.  He was a Senior Designer for American Sterilizer for 26 years retiring in 1988.  Previously he was a trackman for B & O Railroad; worked for West Penn Power, as a cabinet maker and master carpenter for Hyde Murphy, and as a draftsman for Elliott Co., all in Ridgway; and as a draftsman for Hamilton Standard in Connecticut where he worked on the vertical aircraft, moon suit, and lunar excursion module projects. 

     He was a longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Erie, where he served as a lector and was a member of the Joyous Sounds Committee.  He also volunteered for Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) at St. John's and was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club.  Bill was an avid reader, a crossword puzzle enthusiast, and enjoyed playing the Lotto.

     Survivors include his wife of 64 years, M. Lucille Armagost Grabofski; a son, John Grabofski of Wilmington, NC; a brother, Calvin Grabofski and wife Carol of Lady Lake, FL; three granddaughters, Melissa Chaloet of San Francisco, CA, Kristin Reisinger of Charlotte, NC, and Michele Millis of Wilmington, NC; three great-granddaughters, Kalena Barteck and Lola Millis, both of Wilmington, NC, and Catharine K. Reisinger of Charlotte, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by three brothers, Norman, Donald, and Samuel Grabofski and a sister, Janice Molella.

     Friends may call at St. John's Lutheran Church Chapel, 2216 Peach St., Erie, Monday from Noon until the time of service in the Sanctuary at 1 p.m. The Rev. Roy P. Washill will officiate.  A graveside service officiated by the Rev. Stephen Fair of St. John's Lutheran Church in Johnsonburg, will be held Tuesday at Noon in Oakmont Cemetery, Ridgway, PA.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St., Erie.

     Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach St., Erie, PA 16502; or to St. John's Lutheran Church, 325 Church St., Johnsonburg, PA 15845.