Joseph P. Grabauskas

Joseph Paul Grabauskas, Sr., 89, of Topeka, passed away at his home Wednesday afternoon, February 14, 2007.

Prior to his retirement Mr. Grabauskas was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for thirty years as a tire builder and inspector. Joesph was a World War II veteran of the US Air Force.

He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, the Goodyear Retirees Club and A.A.R.P.

Joseph was a supporter of public television and the World Children’s Fund.

Mr. Grabauskas was born on March 22, 1917 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of Frank Grabauskas and Mary Markunes Grabauskas. He was married to Ann L. Rodriguez. They later divorced. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Hazel Grabauskas.

Survivors include five sons, Tom, Mike, Charles, Anthony and John P. Grabauskas, all of Topeka; five daughters, Mary Ann Kenny, Anaheim, California; Sandra Grabauskas, Sophia Golden, B.J. Fowler and Janet Grabauskas, all of Topeka; one brother, Paul J. Grabauskas and his wife Jean, Millbury, Massachusetts.

Also surviving are twenty-one grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson as well as five nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sons, one in infancy and Joseph Grabauskas, Jr. on November 22, 1975, a grandson, Derek Grabauskas, July 11, 1978 and a brother, Frank.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 11:00 o’clock at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors by a funeral detail by Whiteman Air Force Base.

Mr. Grabauskas will lie in state after 2:00 o’clock Monday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a Vigil Prayer Service with rosary will be offered at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church and School, 2700 S.E. Virginia, 66605 or to Let’s Help, 200 South Kansas Avenue 66603.