John Grabb

John R. Grabb age 95, of Chillicothe, went peacefully to the Lord on June 10, 2010 following a brief illness. John was born on January 29, 1915 in Chillicothe, Ohio on South Mulberry Street to John G. Grabb and Ethel (Flowers) Grabb. On May 18, 1948 he married Rita E. Porter. Rita died on March 9, 2010. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Paul, and by his son Thaddeus George Grabb. He is survived by his daughters Constance E. (John) Bolton, Janice E. (Don) Parker, Joan M. (Ralph) D'Antoni, Carol C. (Rodney) Uhrig and Christa S. (Dan) Snyder and by his grandchildren, Kimberly Parker, Katie (Mark) Oliver, Lisa (Ryan) Stowell, Stephen (Tara) D'Antoni, Alicia, Jill, Adam & Hannah Uhrig, Karl & Gretchen Snyder and by a great-grandson Xavier Uhrig. He is also survived by his nephews Daniel Grabb and David (Carolyn) Grabb. John was a 1933 graduate of Chillicothe High School and following graduation he worked several years as a printer's apprentice for the Chillicothe News –Advertiser. In June 1936 he became a carrier at the local post office. During WWII he served four years as a sergeant in charge of the Postal Section of the 31st General Hospital in the Pacific areas. John retired in 1973 after 37 years with the post office carrying mail in the south end of Chillicothe. Following retirement he indulged his life long interests in local history, woodworking and baking. He authored numerous monographs, including The Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, And Its Successor – The Baltimore & Ohio: A Study Of This Once Great Route Across Ohio 1851-1988; The Canal – Its Rise and Fall in Ross County; St. Mary's Parish – 150 Years in Chillicothe, Ohio 1837-1987; Chillicothe's Old-Time Peddlers, Hucksters, Walkers and Their Wares; Taverns and Hotels in Chillicothe, Ohio - 1799-1850; Chillicothe Chairmakers Before 1850 and Little Known Tales of Old Chillicothe and Ross County, Ohio. He was a member of the Heritage Committee of the 1976 Ross County Bicentennial Commission. For the 1996 Chillicothe Bicentennial Commission he authored several articles for the Chillicothe, Ohio 1796-1996 publication. John was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Ross County Historical Society having served as an archivist and former trustee; Ross County Genealogical Society; co-chairman in promoting a memorial to Camp Sherman soldiers; a long time member of the Phoenix Fire Company #2 and the Early America Industries Association. In March 1983, John received the Kiwanis Club Statehood Day Achievement Award. He was the first recipient of the First Capital Historical Award for outstanding effort to preserve the history of Chillicothe and Ross County given by the Ross County Historical Society in April 2009. On March 18, 2010 he was recognized for distinguished, loyal and dedicated service to the Phoenix Fire Company #2. In the early 1970's John was able to combine his love of history and fondness for sweets. Using antique molds from local bakeries he began what became an annual Christmas tradition, the baking and gifting of Springerle cookies, an old-fashioned German cookie. In his later years John developed an appreciation for nostalgic comedies such as O Brother, Where Art Thou? and A Christmas Story. He became a fan of the Cincinnati Reds. One of his favorite players was Brandon Phillips. More than anything, John was an incredibly generous, patriotic and loving man. He was devoted to his wife Rita, providing her with care and encouragement during her long illness. When it became necessary for her to receive round the clock care, he faithfully visited her daily and never lost the hope that she might come home. His care of Rita demonstrated the true meaning of partnership. To his daughters he was an example of how to live life with enthusiasm. From John they learned the value of curiosity and that the way to stay young is to never stop learning. For this they will be eternally grateful. They will miss him dearly. Friends may call Monday, June 14th , from 6 to 8 p.m. at Haller Funeral Home with a wake service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 15th at 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Father Lawrence Hummer, Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Margaret Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Pioneer Center School 11268 County Rd. 550 or St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Society.
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