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Martin Grab Obituary
of Warren, Mich.
formerly of Vestal, N.Y.
Martin J. Grab Jr., of Warren, Mich., formerly of Vestal, N.Y., died as the result of a tragic and untimely accident on November 20, 2007. Marty graduated from Vestal High School in 1976 where he was active in soccer, lacrosse, and band. He enjoyed and pursued life's challenges: scuba diver, ski instructor, lifeguard, teacher, bicyclist, perpetual student working towards a Ph.D., motorcyclist, entrepreneur, and IFR pilot. His passions for flying and his new wife were unparalleled. He worked hard and played harder. He was a loving husband, son, uncle, brother, colleague, and friend. He touched many lives and will be missed by all. He was predeceased by his mother, Helen M. Grab. He is survived by his expectant wife, Tina Grab; his mother and father-in-law, Christine and Dan Schneider; his brother-in-law, Tony Anzaldi; his father, Martin J. Grab Sr.; his sister, Rebecca Grab; his brother, Michael Grab; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Anne Grab and Andrew and Susan Grab; his nieces, Kristin and Abby; and his nephews, Matt, Nate, Anthony, Alec, and Trevor.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 11:45 a.m. at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main St., Endicott, N.Y. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until the service time at 11:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation for the expectant baby can be sent to Rebecca Grab (607-743-1259), 4625 Madison Dr., Vestal, N.Y. 13850.
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Memories and Condolences
for Martin Grab
Glenn-Troy,NY
June 21, 2024
I went to SUNY-Albany in `79-`80 & `80-`81 when Martin was a teachers assistant if I remember correctly. Capital District news reported the accident & I knew I had met him before.
Paul Vesely
June 5, 2008
Though you may not remember, me, I was Marty’s roommate freshman year at the University at Albany. When we came to Albany, neither of us knew each other. We were placed with roommates with whom we didn’t get along. As fate would have it, Marty and I met when each of us joined our Judicial Review Board for Colonial Quad, one of the then four dormitory sections of the uptown campus.
Marty and I became great friends and convinced our current roommates to swap with us. Marty moved in with me and we had a great time during that year. Marty reminded me of my now deceased brother Dave. I remember that he practiced karate and was awarded a black belt. I felt safe around him. He was a powerful guy, yet would do anything for you and, emotionally, Marty was vulnerable caring, and an eternal optimist.
I remember meeting members of the family at his first wedding. I grew up in New Windsor and drove to his parent’s house, to discover that I’d left my suit at home. I remember running around that day to shop for clothes to wear to the wedding that didn’t cost a fortune, as us poor students didn’t have a lot of money to spare.
Marty moved off campus after that first year. We remained friends ever since. We used to have long, endless discussion about school, life in general and the emotional upheaval he and his wife endured as his first marriage wasn’t working out. We would drink wine and work on solving the world’s problems. Marty and I got along well because he was a dreamer and I was a realist. He would stretch my imagination and I would help him to focus.
Uncannily, I tried to find him in November and couldn’t locate him. He’d kept reappearing in my mind ever since. It was yesterday that I paged through the University at Albany winter magazine. It listed those alumni who’d become stars in entertainment. At the back of the magazine, there’s a section on alumni updates. I always look to see whether someone who I’d known had posted anything. There’s a section on weddings, then births. Lastly, there’s the listing of those students who’d passed. When I looked at the 80’s section, Marty was the first person on the list. It hit me like a ton of bricks. My life immediately went back to Albany; the fun that we had together and the times that we shared. A vast feeling of emptiness overcame me as I struggled with the frustration that I could never see or speak to him again. I’d firmly believed that we would talk and get together again some day to catch up on our lives and families.
I searched for an obituary and began to pour through several articles. I was stunned that Marty had become a pilot. In 1986, I too, began to fly and passed my check ride in March, 1987. I received my instrument rating in 1994 and commercial rating in 1997. I reviewed the various news articles and the preliminary NTSB report, to piece together in my own mind what could have happened. My first thought was that he just should have waited until the next day, as weather was below minimums at BGM. One interview indicated, however, that he was only in the air some 19 sec., that witnesses heard sputtering sounds from the engine. Though the NTSB report is still preliminary, it appears to me that the engine was not developing power, perhaps due to some water in the system.
Though we’d only touched base a few times after graduation, Marty was frequently in my thoughts. I always wondered whether he was doing OK. I truly expected that we would connect at some point and meet to catch up on things that had happened during our lives.
While reading various bits from the news articles about his activities and his family, I did, indeed realize that Marty was OK. He certainly was one of the stars in that magazine. Marty lived life to its fullest for that segment of our lives that we spent together in school, and he appears to have lived life to its fullest through the years after finishing school.
I only wish that he were still with us now. I can see that Marty was an inspiration. This horrible circumstance has inspired me; to fly more, to ride more, to experience life today rather than wait until tomorrow.
I do now and will continue to salute you Marty. You’ll continue to hold a special place in my heart. Every time that I take to the skies and touch the face of God, I’ll see the faces of you and others who meant so much to us.
Clear Skies!
Paul
Emergency Management International (USA), Inc
December 15, 2007
May your memory live on forever in the hearts of your family and friends. On behalf of Emergency Management International (USA), Inc, we want to send our condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Martin J. Grab, Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Heidi Mitchell
December 11, 2007
Tina, I found out today 12/11/07 about your husband. My heart aches for you. My prayers are with you as you struggle through this time and also with you as your approach the birth of your baby. He will bring joy to your life and cherish his life. You are in my thoughts.
Nancy Chesley
December 10, 2007
Tina,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the baby. You have many friends in Michigan and we are here when ever you want to reach out.
Nancy
Mario
December 5, 2007
There are many stories about our experiences in flying together; Marty could talk about those moments forever. When we got together we were in another world. We went out to play with the clouds, the birds, the rainbows, the gliders, the balloons, the jumpers and the controllers; then we would stop for a soup and a sandwich, filled up the tanks and again went up just to create more memories to bring back home and steal another piece of heaven by the mean time. That friendship will never end! Friendships just don’t end that way! And YES, we did touch the face of God a million times.
John Morrell
December 2, 2007
Tina,
So sorry for your loss. I pray that you will find peace.
Jamie Baciuska
November 30, 2007
Dear Family of Martin Grab Jr.,
Although I never knew Martin I am completely saddened by the news of the tragedy. Being in aviation myself, whenever tragedies like this happen it feels like one of our own... I hope the entire family can gain comfort in knowing he is in a fantastic place now just waiting for the day when he can see his wife, his soon to be child and the rest of his family again. May God place his blessings upon you all.
Mike Shellie
November 30, 2007
Tina,
Words can not express our sorrow for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. I only wish I could offer more support during this difficult time.
Mike & Cindy Shellie
Nancy (Livsky) Keefer
November 29, 2007
Andy,
I was so saddened and shocked to read about Marty's accident on line. I have fond memories of him from when we worked together so many years ago. My heart goes out to you and the rest of your family.
Aida & Eduard Lipe
November 29, 2007
Tina
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort...
Sharon Smith
November 29, 2007
Dear Tina,
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss; my prayers are with you
and hope that you will find comfort
in your faith & your memories.
Pamela Peacock
November 29, 2007
Tina and Family,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Martin's family.
Lou Ann Taylor
November 29, 2007
To
the Grab Family,
We were so sad to learn of Marty's accident. Tim was saddened to learn
of a fellow pilot having this tragic accident. They met several times
at the Airport, either leaving or coming in. The love of flying and
small planes they shared was evident in the conversations. Boys with
their toys! Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at
this time. Please take care of yourself and your little one. May you
find peace in his love for what he was doing and for you and the baby.
Lou Ann & Tim
Cathy Huber
November 28, 2007
Tony,So sorry to hear of your loss.Your brother and his family will be in my prayers
JPMORGANCHASE
November 28, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Renee (Kutz) Teich
November 28, 2007
Just wanted the Grab family and Martin's wife, Tina to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
I have fond memories of Marty and the 'brothers' growing up down the street on Madison Drive. My thoughts are with you.
Jay Ferguson
November 28, 2007
Tina,
I was devastated when I heard from MBA about the loss of your husband. Please call if I can do anything to help and know that you are in my prayers and will continue to be. You'll alway be "Our Little Tina."
Sister Mary Anne Brawley
November 28, 2007
I know Martin's death has been an awful blow. All of you have been in my thoughts and prayers since we met each other that early morning last week outside the chapel at Lourdes. May God give you the strength and courage which you need.
Sincerely,
Sister Mary Anne
Dan Limer
November 28, 2007
Tina,
There is no way to understand your sorrow, but know that your friends and family are here to carry you through. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nichole Exley
November 28, 2007
Tina,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Nichole
Psalm 23:4
Kathy Wright
November 28, 2007
Mike,
Its been so long since I last saw you when we worked together in Consumer Services but, I wanted to express my deepest sympathies over the loss of your brother. When I heard about the accident and saw the last name, I knew he was a member of your family and had to reach out to you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Rasmussen
November 27, 2007
Tina,
My sincerest condolences to you and Martin's family on your tragic loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength in the days ahead.
Andrew Callahan
November 27, 2007
Tina,
Sincere condolences to you, your family, and Martin's family. Words can't express the amount of sympathy we have for all of you. In this time of sorrow, please know that you have friends that are here for you always.
Sincerely,
The Callahan's (Andy, Pam, Drew, Jacob & Erin)
Monifa Pendelton
November 27, 2007
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Mary Ann Smith
November 27, 2007
Tina
I am so sorry for your loss! I wish I could be there to give you a big hug! In the middle of your grief may you find some sense of peace. We all love you and are praying for you.
Your Owatonna SPX Friends
Jenn Mulligan
November 27, 2007
Tina,
Your Callaway Family is thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. We all want to give you a big hug!
Ellen LaPontney
November 27, 2007
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Paul Scott
November 27, 2007
Marty's Wife, Son and Family,
I offer my sincerest condolences to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead as you deal with this tragedy. I will miss my friendship with Marty and his boundless energy.
Gloria Thornton
November 27, 2007
Tina,
May GOD grant you peace during this very trying time. I have placed your family on my prayer list for strength, courage & healing. Do not hesitate to call on me if there is anything that I can do.
Peace & blessings,
Gloria Thornton
Atlanta, Georgia
Courtney Edwards
November 27, 2007
Tina,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that you are loved and the strength of that love will lift you up. May God bless and keep you.
Mary Richardson
November 27, 2007
Tina,
My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With Heartfelt Condolences,
Jeanette Cottone
November 27, 2007
Tina,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
NICOLE BALES
November 27, 2007
Tina,
My deepest condolences to you and the Family of Martin. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Diane Platz
November 27, 2007
Tina,
We are so sorry to hear about Martin. We want you to know that we will do anything for you. We think of you every day.
Kurt and Diane Platz
Carol Smith
November 27, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Please know that my prayers are with you.
Martin Speshock
November 27, 2007
Tina & Martins Family
My throughts and prayers go out to yours and Martin's family.
If you need anything please feel free to ask.
Sometime life isn't fair but god does strange things for reasons that no one knows only him.
Take care of yourself Tina we are all thinking of you and Martin's family.
God will take care of you
Friend Martin Speshock
Lori Marsee
November 26, 2007
Tina,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Utych
November 26, 2007
Tina, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you, Martin, yours and his families are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do, to help you through these difficult times. May God bless you, Martin and all of those who knew and loved him. God Bless Bob, Amy & Ethan Utych
Don Turner
November 26, 2007
Tina,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kay-K and Caleb McQuiller
November 26, 2007
Tina
I'm so sorry for your loss, Your in my heart and prayers stay strong
Tina Strnad
November 26, 2007
Teen,
I am so very sorry. I am here for you with my ears ready to listen. I have you and family in my prayers always.
Hugs-
Teen
Susan Davis
November 26, 2007
Tina, I was heartbroken to hear of your loss. You, the baby and Martin's family are in my prayers. Please take care of yourself and if there is anything I can do don't hesitate to call.
Aunt Doris & Joe
November 26, 2007
Tina,
May it help in your time of great sadness to know we are thinking of you and share your sorrow. Our prayers our with you that God will comfort you, and ease your pain and give you the strength you need at this time in your life.
With our Heartfelt Sympathy & Love.
Jamie, Rick, and Matthew Ross
November 26, 2007
Tina and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one, Martin. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Beth Allen
November 26, 2007
Dear Tina,
My heart and prayers go out to you and Martin's family. Words cannot fully express my sorrow. You are in my family's prayers and thoughts.
Bernadette Leone
November 26, 2007
Tina
I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. May you be surrounded by loved ones who can enfold you with their love and support.
Barbara Burkett
November 26, 2007
Tony and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your brother and his family will be in my prayers.
Jerry Romanow
November 26, 2007
Dear Tina. We are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Jerry, Kimberly, Matthew
Barb Silvio
November 25, 2007
Tina,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Words cannot express the sadness that I feel in my heart for you. You are in my thoughts every day. My deepest condolences to you and Martin's family.
Melissa Kripl
November 25, 2007
Tina,
I so so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your baby are in my prayers!
Love, and may God Bless you both and Martin's family,
Bob, Melissa and Joey Kripl
Harvey Fong
November 25, 2007
Michael,
My apologies for leaving you out of my original posting. My thoughts and prayers are with you as well.
Harvey Fong
November 25, 2007
Marty, Tony, Andy, & Becci, and your respective families.
I was terribly shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic accident on Tuesday evening that has taken your son and brother to live eternal life with God. May the compassion of family and friends console you during this time of sorrow, and in the days to come, to help you heal from this trauma.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all that the Lord's guidance will help you through this challenging period.
Cheryl Popp
November 25, 2007
Tina & Family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. This truly is tragic and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donald Canfield
November 25, 2007
I am very sorry to hear of Marty's loss. I went to school with Marty in Vestal. We were good friends in elementary school where we were in the same 5th and 6th grade class. We drifted apart some through high school but I always though of him as a good friend. May God be with you all in this difficult time.
Barbara Ten Eyck
November 24, 2007
Tony & Family,
I so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your brother. May your memories get you through this most difficult time.
God bless you all,
Christine DiNova
November 24, 2007
Tony and family,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
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