Bernard Grabowski

Bernard Grabowski passed away at his home in Brevard on Friday, November 20, 2015. He was 75. Bernie was born on October 24, 1940 in Riverside, New Jersey to Henry and Sophie (Salkowski) Grabowski. He graduated from Riverside High School in New Jersey, where he was ultimately honored to be named to the Football Hall of Fame. He also attended Bullis Prep School in Silver Spring, Maryland prior to attending the United States Naval Academy where he had been recruited to play football. He graduated in 1963 with a B.S. Degree in Engineering.

He served in the Marine Corps from 1963 to 1968 with tours at various bases in the U.S., Guam and finally Vietnam. He began his civilian career working in the U.S. Space Program. Later he held positions in operations and systems analysis in the healthcare, banking, telecommunications and insurance industries. Bernie’s special interests and hobbies included raising his family, running and football. His optimism and determination were legendary as was his sheer authenticity and ability to jury-rig just about anything. He was an avid amateur photographer, and loved computers and technology in general. Bernie spent the majority of his life in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware areas. Retired, he relocated to Brevard, North Carolina in 2010 and enjoyed his involvement in neighborhood and community volunteer activities.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Lois (Kalsow); son Joseph (Theresa); daughters Noreen Lynn and Karen Beth; grandchildren Derek Adam Knittle and Zoe Faith Grabowski; and brother Hank (Linda). Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Brian Berg Lane, Brevard. The family will greet friends at church from 10:15 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made in Bernie’s name to the Naval Academy Foundation for benefit of the Class of ‘63 Center for Academic Excellence (Beach Hall, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402-1254) or to the church of your choice.

“Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.” Stanley Gordon West