Paul J. Grabish, Jr.

POTTSVILLE- Paul J. Grabish, Jr. 62, of Schuylkill Haven and formerly of Marlin, PA passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Schuylkill Medical Center in Pottsville surrounded by his family. Paul was born on April 1, 1949 in Arnot’s Addition, PA, son of the late Paul J. and Marion (Brennan) Grabish, Sr. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving his country in the Viet Nam War. After the war, Paul became a mechanic and crane operator for the Reading Anthracite Coal Company. He was a member of the United Mine Workers Union, Rainbow Hose Company, Marlin Hose Company, and the English Center Lodge. Paul was former member of Saint Peter & Paul Catholic Church, is a member of Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, and was a volunteer caretaker for the Saint Peter & Paul Cemetery. Paul is survived by his long time companion Bridget J. Barto of Schuylkill Haven, PA, his children: Michael W. Barto of Pine Grove, PA, Bridget M. Barto and fiancé William Morgan of Minersville, PA, Dana Grabish of Pottsville, PA, and Kaitlyn E. Thompson of Schuylkill Haven, PA, his grandson Shawn P. Barto, his sisters and brothers: Kathy Eberly and her husband, John, of Bethel, PA, Diane Melincavage and her husband, Joe, of Palo Alto, PA, Philip Grabish of Saint Clair, PA, Donna Zelinsky and her husband, Mark of Jalappa, PA, David Grabish and his wife, Tracey of Schuylkill Haven, PA, Helen Tomalavage and her husband, J.R. of Orwigsburg, PA, Robert Grabish and his wife, Mariann, Port Carbon, PA, Karen Murphy of Saint Clair, PA, Marianne Balthaser and her husband, Ed of Ashland, PA and Peggy Clark and her husband, James, Wilmington, DE, along with several nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Georgene (Brilla) Grabish, his daughter Michelle Grabish, and his sister Margaret Grabish. Family and friends are welcome to call from 8:00-10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 250 Hancock Street Saint Clair, PA. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 3rd at the church with Msgr. John J. Grabish officiating. Burial will follow in Saint Peter & Paul Cemetery. The Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Inc. 6th & West Market Streets, Pottsville, PA has been trusted with arrangements. Contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to the Relay For Life Team: Coal Region Chemo Sabes c/o The American Cancer Society, 512 N Centre St. Pottsville, PA 17901.