Robert O. Grabner

1937 - 2018

Robert O. Grabner, 80, of West Falmouth, Massachusetts, and previously of Glastonbury, Connecticut and Schenectady, New York, passed away with his loving family by his side on October 10, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Deborah Martin Grabner; daughter, Katherine McDonough and son-in-law, Jack McDonough of Canton, Massachusetts; son, Kurt Grabner and daughter-in-law, Laurie Grabner of Norfolk, Massachusetts; and son, Lee Grabner and daughter-in-law, Tammy Grabner of New Milford, Connecticut; sister, Shirley Sherk of Peterborough, New Hampshire; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Wethersfield, Connecticut on December 8, 1937, Robert was the second child of Lorraine (Wunder) and Otto V. Grabner. He graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1956 where he played soccer, set the state record for the half mile in track and is a member of the school's athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York with a B.A. in Economics in 1961. Robert began his distinguished 30-year career with Schenectady Savings Bank, prior to graduation, and rose to Senior Vice President – Lending. When Schenectady Savings was merged into Northeast Savings Bank, Hartford, Connecticut, he served as Executive Vice President – Chief Credit Officer of the combined institution, until his retirement in 1989. During his career, Robert was frequently recognized for his community involvement and was named a Patroon by the City of Schenectady for his efforts to foster the city's downtown redevelopment. In addition, he was the founding director and treasurer for the Arts Center and Theater of Schenectady where he was instrumental in the rescue of the abandoned Proctors Theater. Following his retirement from Northeast Savings, Robert and his family moved to West Falmouth, where they had long standing ties with the community. He concluded his career in finance after serving three years as president of Falmouth-based Service Federal Credit Union. Robert shared his love of skiing with his family and friends. He skied Vermont and New York from the early days and for 50 years enjoyed the variety of the region's many mountains, including time spent at the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont. Upon retirement he continued his passion for reading, usually walked up to five miles each day, and once walked the length of Cape Cod over a seven-day period with a group working to establish the Cape Cod Walking Trail. In addition, Robert was known to enjoy an occasional golf outing. He also discovered the art of chip-carving design and created hand-carved ornately designed boxes and decorative plates that have become treasured family heirlooms. Family and friends will miss his loving smile and cherish the memories of summer and winter vacations. In lieu of contributions, he asked that friends simply do an act of kindness in his memory. A period of visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 20 in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 584 West Falmouth Hwy (Route 28A), WEST FALMOUTH. A funeral home service will follow at noon. Burial is private. For online guestbook, obituary and directions, visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.