David Richard (75) Grabiec

David Richard Grabiec, beloved husband, father and grandfather, 75, formerly of Watertown, NY, went peacefully to his Heavenly Father on March 12. David was born in 1947 to Joseph and Elizabeth in Philadelphia.

After graduating from Oneida High School in 1965, he went on to study sociology at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. In 1969, David met Elaine McFarland, and they wed in 1970, going on to have one child, Adam Joshua.

David was drafted out of graduate school and later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed for four years at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While serving our country, he received his Masters Degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Greeley.

After moving to Watertown, New York, David began working for Jefferson Rehabilitation Center and then retired in 2005 from the New York State Department of Corrections as an inmate grievance supervisor.

David enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors in the sun. The Grabiecs spent many years raising horses and dogs in Watertown, NY.

After retirement, David and Elaine moved to Port Orange, Florida where they spent many years enjoying the beach and sunny, warm weather. In 2019, they moved to Fort Mill, SC to be closer to their family.

David was also passionate about WWII memorabilia and could often be found on the Internet buying and selling collectibles.

David was predeceased by his parents, and leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Elaine, his son, Adam (Jenny) and two grandchildren Scarlett and Landon. He is also survived by his brothers, Joseph (Kathy) and Robert (Mary), three brothers and sisters in law, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a memorial service at 11 am on March 26 at Forest Hill Fort Mill campus. There will be a celebration of life to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice and Community Care in Rock Hill, South Carolina and the Alzheimer’s Association.