Mr. Elmer R Granitzki

Elmer Granitzki, 93, died peacefully on May 9, 2015 at his home in Cranford, NJ surrounded by his family. Elmer was born in Garwood, NJ to the late Gustav and Anna (Ewald) Granitzki. Upon graduation from the Garwood School and Regional High School in 1939, Elmer was employed by the Calcom Chemical company in Bound Brook for 2 years before he signed with the Army Air Corps. Elmer received intensive pilot training as a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Pilot. He flew numerous missions over Europe in 1944 and was awarded the Air Medal and one Oak Leaf Cluster for "Meritorious Achievement" on missions made over enemy territory while stationed with the Ninth Air Force in France. First Lieutenant Granitzki, while stationed with a fighter squadron in Belgium, earned four Oak Leaf Clusters for "Meritorious Achievement" on missions over enemy territory and the ETO Ribbon with Three Battle Stars. Upon the end of WWII, Granitzki continued training and service at Fort Dix with the 108th Fighter Group of the NJ Air National Guard until 1957 for 16 years of total service. Elmer received a degree in accounting from the College of Business Administration at Rider College in 1951. During this time, Elmer met Olive (Anger) and were married on March 31, 1950. Following graduation, Elmer worked for Peat, Marwick and Mitchell, in Newark, NJ as a Certified Public Account for 35 years and retired in 1986. Upon retirement, Elmer had more time to enjoy his favorite pastimes bowling, fishing and golfing. He enjoyed spending summer vacations at South Seaside Park, Long Beach Island and visiting his brother, Gus, and his family in Manteo, NC. Elmer and Olive enjoyed winter vacations golfing with friends at Calloway Gardens, Pine Mt. Georgia for over 25 years. He was also a long time member of Roselle Golf Club since 1983 and for a period did the club accounting work and was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Cranford. Elmer was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Olive (Anger) Granitzki of 65 years. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gustav Granitzki. Elmer is survived by his 3 children: daughter Bonnie and husband Stewart Gold of Hampstead, NC and grandchildren Joanne and Jennifer. Son James and wife Katherine of Succasunna, NJ and grandchildren Rich, Jim and Patrick. Son David and wife Judith of Chatham, NJ and grandchildren Alison Johnson and Kelsie. Thank you for giving us the most important life lesson and gift that you have instilled in all of us - hardwork, dedication, love and most of all, commitment to family. We will always cherish the remarkable man you were and who is such a part of who we all are today. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Air Force Aid Society at www.afas.org/memorials Elmer's Celebration of Life service will be held at Gray Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Ave., Cranford with visitation from 5-9pm on Wednesday, May 13 and funeral service officiated by Rev. Dr. Gina Walsh-Minor, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church at 12 noon Thursday, May 14, 2015. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield. To view tribute to Elmer's life please go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com