Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Robert E. Grad, 92, residing in Sandusky, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and his beloved wife Thursday evening, November 6, 2014 at Providence Care Center. His family, who cared for him throughout his illness, was at his side.
Robert, known to all his friends as Bob, was born on May 26, 1922 in Erie, PA to the late Louis and Blanche Grad.
He graduated from Strong Vincent High School before enlisting in the United States Navy where he served in England as a Pharmacist's Mate First Class during World War II. Upon discharge in 1946 he converted from Judaism and married the love of his life, Mitzi Anderson. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage together.
By 1953, Bob and Mitzi moved to Sandusky to join his family business, Herman's Furniture. He became owner and sales manager, and you could find him there most days and many nights for 35 years before retiring in 1985. Bob was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, attending daily mass, the Christian Family Movement (CFM), as well as many civic organizations, which included the Sandusky Rotary Club, the Sierra Club, the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree), the Elks Club, the Exchange Club, the Sandusky Yacht Club, the AMVETS, the VFW and the American Legion. He was also a volunteer for years at the former Providence Hospital.
Music was another love of his life. In his spare time, between his job and raising six children, he loved music and could be heard playing his trumpet wherever there was a chair, a porch, or a small combo who needed a talented, fun-loving brass player. He and Mitzi listened and danced to Big Band music whenever and wherever they could. He has several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have inherited his gift and love for music. Bob was the man who started every conversation with a joke, and always made people laugh. He had a tender and sensitive heart, and appreciated the quiet moments in life. He adored his wife more than anything, and loved spending time with his children, always instilling in them the importance of doing the right thing. He always brought joy and laughter to whomever he was with, and in his last year, even smiling through his pain to brighten his caregivers' days.
Bob is survived by his sons, Gary Grad of Lakewood, David and William Grad both of Sandusky; daughters, Lisa (Bill) Klaus of Huron, Amy (Craig) Kenne of Sandusky and Carol (John) Kimmons of Greensboro, NC; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Mitzi (Anderson) Grad in July of this year, and his brother, Jules B. Grad.
Friends may call on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky. A prayer service will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 9:30 am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky with Fr. Joe Steinbauer presiding. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky, OH.
Those wishing to contribute to Bob's memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870, St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 or to one's favorite charity.
Condolences may be shared on line at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
