Obituary of John Michael Grabowski

John M. Grabowski Sr., 85, died peacefully from cancer with his family by his side on April 22, 2020.

John’s top priorities were his family, his business, his charitable endeavors, and sharing a joke with anyone in his path. 

Born in Harrison on February 6, 1935 he attended our Lady of Czestochowa Grammar School and Kearny High School.

Starting his career with Bell Telephone, John also served in the U.S. National Guard.  As a young entrepreneur with promise, he seized the opportunity to start a business he named Built In Vacuum Systems Specialist and moved his family to Colts Neck where he became an icon of the community. 

A founding father of the Colts Neck Soccer Program, John was a devoted member of the Colts Neck Lions Club, the Colts Neck Drug and Alcohol Committee, and the Colts Neck Recreation Committee. On countless occasions and with daily devotion to his church, John was active at St Mary’s Church as an usher, in the prayer group, caring for the buildings and grounds, and as a devoted parishioner. He also founded a second business called Mustang Resurrections at his prized possession Locust Lawn Farm. Most of all, John's kindness, love, and gentlemanly grace will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

John is predeceased by his beloved wife of forty-nine years, Veronica Kimidy Grabowski. John is also predeceased by his parents, John and Theresa and his brother Eugene. He is survived by his children:  John M. Jr and wife Cynthia of Colts Neck, Thomas and wife Marilyn of Point Pleasant Beach, daughter Suzanne and  significant other Chris Munger of Colts Neck, and Paul and his wife Heather of Sea Girt;  and his grandchildren: Johnny, Daniel, Alli, Joseph, Alexa, Gavin, and Julia; sister Joan Valeriani and husband Mario, and sister Camile Celentano.  

A Memorial Mass and celebration of John’s life will be held at St Mary’s this summer.  Donations to your local house of worship in John’s name would be greatly appreciated