Robert Reynold Grahn

1943 - 2019

Robert Reynold Grahn, 75, died unexpectedly on January 19, 2019. He was born in Hartford, CT, on March 11, 1943, the second of six children raised by Nils and Ruth (Lussier) Grahn in East Hartford and Simsbury. He graduated from Simsbury High School and attended Porter & Chester Institute to study drafting. He worked as a mechanic for Powers Chevrolet in Granby and then Old Towne Lincoln Mercury in Windsor before managing the repair shop at Dexter Corporation/Ahlstrom Nonwovens in Windsor Locks, specializing in fork lift maintenance. He was proud of his decades of distinguished service there and was enjoying his retirement.Robert is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cathryn (Newton), and his four children Robert Woodruff (Diane), Ronald Woodruff (Holly), Ruth Grahn (Brian Kalman), and Gregg Grahn (Laura Lemieux). He was the very proud Grampa of Adam, Josh, Megan, Steven, Melissa, Katie and Matt. He is also survived by his sisters Sandra Berton and Kathleen Buzbee, his brother John Grahn (Julie) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother and co-conspirator Roger, and his brother James (survived by Karen). He was also predeceased by his uncle Olla Grahn and his wife Frances.Bob will be fondly remembered for his ability and enthusiasm for building and fixing anything. Whether it was converting a lawnmower into a tractor for his 5-year-old grandson or building an entire house for his family, the finished product always met the highest standards. He and Cathy were especially helpful to Bob's Aunt Fran, serving as a source of support for many years and making the end of her life as comfortable as possible. He never hesitated to help anyone in his circle of extended family and friends, and we all knew that we could depend on him.Bob's sense of humor and devotion lives on forever in Cathy's heart, his wisdom and enduring pride will always sustain his children and their partners, and his grandchildren will always remember their Grampa with love and admiration. While we all miss him and feel his absence deeply, we are grateful to have known such a generous and capable man and will always strive to be everything he expected of us.Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492, can be made in Bob's honor. For online condolences please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com.