Obituary for Daniel Grabin (1921-2005)

My wife Hilarie SHANLEY wrote this obituary for her grandfather Daniel Grabin. At the time it was published in the Scranton Times Tribune, but this text ensures his obituary is now available on-line. This blog has a separate transcribed history of the 33rd Troop Carrier Squadron, and a separate post with newspaper article describing the car he built.

 

Daniel Grabin, 84, of Dickson City, died early Sunday at home. His wife of 64 years is the former Martha Wasilchak.
 
Born in Peckville, son of the late Stephen and Anna Grabin, he attended school in Archbald. He began working as a mechanic at Grabin Oldsmobile of Olyphant, which was owned by his father. He was the head mechanic, responsible for the repair and service of automobiles throughout the Midvalley.

He was a proud soldier in the Army Air Corps, 33rd Troop Carrier Squadron. During World War II, he worked as a crew chief in the Pacific theater. He repaired and flew in the planes that took men, munitions and material where they were needed. He fought overseas for three years, during which time he earned nine battle stars and saw duty in Australia, New Guinea, Morotai, Biak, the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan. He was one of the first 50 soldiers into Japan in the final days of World War II, an achievement of which he was extremely proud. Segments from the letters he wrote home were published in a local newspaper. He retained an active interest in the great history that he had been a part of, saving his medals, photographs and B-4 bomber bag.

When he returned home, he worked with Grabin Oldsmobile to bring an automobile to every local veteran who had lost a limb in battle. Always interested in a challenge, he then decided to build his own custom sports car from scratch. Using the old, rusty shell of a 1942 automobile, he rebuilt it piece by piece, adding customizations that would not be seen in automobiles for decades. The finished product was featured in the newspaper and was a source of wonder for anyone who saw it.

He opened his own garage, Grabin's, in 1973. It was there that he would work for the rest of his life. He made a real friend out of each person who met and knew him. Often he would have the companionship of any number of his friends at the garage. He was a kind, ethical businessman, always opting to give his customers a break at the sacrifice of his own pocket.

He was a constant source of knowledge, an avid reader and he enjoyed all types of debate. He was a mechanic in every sense of the word: He had a true, intuitive grasp on the inner workings of everything. He lived for his family, working hard to provide the best opportunities for the people he loved most.
He was a beloved and wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; two daughters, Sandra Bianca and Diane Shanley and husband, James, all of Dickson City; a granddaughter, Hilarie Shanley, Boston; a brother, John, Eynon; several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Stephen Jr.

The funeral will be held Friday from the James M. Margotta Funeral Home, 1019 Main Street Peckville, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Ghost Church, Olyphant, to be celebrated by the Rev. Phillip Sladika, pastor. Entombment, St. Mary's Visitation Mausoleum, Dickson City.

Friends may call Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.

{Written by Hilarie SHANLEY}