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Donald Grabarz Obituary
1941 ~ 2024
Don was born September 18, 1941 to Joseph and Frances Grabarz in New Jersey. He attended Power Memorial Academy High School and graduated from St. John's University in New York with a degree in Pharmacy. While attending St. John's he met the love of his life, Joan Marie Grabarz who succeeded him in death in 2023. They were married on August 13, 1966 and had three children together, Christine Alringer (sons Aiden and Austin Alringer), Robert Grabarz (wife Sarah, sons Nicolas and Alex Grabarz) and Danielle Fabri (husband Rob, sons Lucas and Nathan). Don was fortunate to have lived and experienced many parts of the country, from NYC, to Chicago, to New Jersey, to SLC and finally to Reno. His career took him from being a Pharmacist in Manhattan, working with Rob Jarvik on the artificial heart in Salt Lake City, to ultimately starting his own business working with the FDA to get new pharmaceutical items approved for use in the United States. His last career took him all over Europe and Asia and when Joan was not busy teaching, she would take the opportunity to travel with him. He enjoyed skiing, tennis and most of all golf! If you were fortunate enough to know him, you would understand what a large presence he was in all our lives. His absence will be deeply felt, and his humor, in particular, will be sorely missed.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Grabarz
3 Entries
John Zone
September 6, 2024
Tennis was always more fun when Don was playing. Dinner after tennis was jovial, when Don´s sense of humor was at the table. Remembering those times makes me smile.
Fotheringham Robert
September 5, 2024
No one could have better, more fun, more colorfully eclectic, more helpful neighbors than Don and Joan Grabarz. We adored them and their three remarkable children. Living on Shadow Wood Circle from 1985-2005 next door to these great people was, as they say, living the dream. Go well, Don and Joan. With our love, Bob&Kathy Fotheringham
Steve Brophy
September 5, 2024
I played golf with Don in the CCC annual member guest tournament and he was a joy to know. Quick with a joke, a solid golfer and one hundred percent a gentleman. You could tell that he lived a satisfying life and made many friendships that lasted through the years. Well played, Don. All the best to his family during this difficult time and condolences to his good friend, Dennis.
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