Robert J. Grabel

Warren, Ohio - Robert John Grabel, 90, died Monday, February 17, 2014 at Robinson Memorial Hospital. He was born on December 1, 1923 in Monessen, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Cenzy Grabel, Margaret Harmanis Grabel and step-father, John Hubick.

Robert was employed as a display manager for Sears retiring December 31, 1993, after 33 years of service. He enjoyed traveling, and had visited 19 countries and 45 of 48 continental United States. He had lived in 10 cities and 3 states. He also enjoyed remodeling his house, model railroads, camping, fishing, and made & sold wooden toys and kitchen furniture. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife and children.

Bob served in US Army during WWII in the 1010th AAR Base Unit as a Flight Maintenance Gunner on B-24 bomber, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was involved in the bombings of the Ploesti oil field in Italy and was later shot down. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.

Memories of Bob will be carried on by son, Dennis Allen (Christine) Grabel of Tempe, AZ, daughter, Karen Sue (Stephen) Kunz of Tallahassee, FL, daughter, Donna Mae (Wayne) Scott of Ravenna, OH, son, John Marshall (Robin) Grabel of Venice, FL, daughter, Kristie Lynn (Randy) Reeves of Jacksonville Beach, FL, son, Paul Wagner of Enid, OK, son, Richard (Lisa) Wagner of Ravenna, OH, brother, Arnold Hubick of Chicago, IL, sister, Charmaine Doody of Midlothian, IL, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and friend, Mary Ellen Readman of Niles.

He was preceded in death by his, wife, Betty Mae Grabel, and friend, Shirley Leemaster.

Family will receive friends Friday, February 21, 2014, from 1-3 pm at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, Warren. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm at McFarland & Son Funeral Home following the visitation. Stephen Kunz will be the officiant. Services of final committal and the presentation of military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

His family suggests contributions be made in the form of donations to Hospice of the Valley - Trumbull County 5000 E. Market St., Suite 19 Warren, OH 44484.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co, 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621. Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary, send condolences, and order flowers.

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