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Obituary: Norman C. Graesser

Tue, Feb 9th 2021 03:50 pm

Norman C. Greaser, 91, of Tonawanda and formerly of Grand Island and Buffalo, went to be with our Lord on Jan. 27, 2021.

He was born on Dec. 6, 1929, in Buffalo. He attended the St. James School and then went to St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.

In September 1951 he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea in A Battery, 9th Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. He was awarded the Korea Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. He carried out his service dutifully and held a deep love of God and country throughout his life. After his service he went to and graduated from Canisius College, and began his family.

He became an industrial engineer at the Chevrolet Motor Division of GM in Tonawanda and had a long and successful career. He had many interests and loved the outdoors and travel. The family is forever grateful for the loving home and upbringing he provided for them on Grand Island. He was a selfless man who frequently did things for other people and never wanted anything in return. He was greatly liked and enjoyed many friendships.

Later, as a resident of Tonawanda, he was a longtime board member for the Dover Station townhouses. In his senior years, he became an active member and participant of the Amherst Victorian Dance Society. He loved the friendships he made in the group, and ascribed his agility and overall good health to the benefits of dancing and social activity with them. He was a keen craftsman and expert at solving complex mechanical and electrical problems. More than anything else, he was a wonderful father who loved and cared for his family above all other earthly things.

He was the loving and devoted brother to Ruth Graesser and Dan (Ruth) Graesser; the loving father of Edward (Cindy) Graesser, Daniel Graesser, Mary (Bryant) Pfalzer, John Graesser and the late Monica Graesser; and grandfather of James Bishop, Patrick Bishop, Justin Graesser and Matthew Graesser. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Harold and Monica (nee Neu) Graesser.

Viewing took place at the Lombardo Funeral Home, 885 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst, on Thursday, Feb. 4. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 9 a.m., Feb. 5, at St. Amelia’s R.C. Church, 2999 Eggert Road, Tonawanda.

An online guest book is available at www.lombardofuneralhome.com. For a webcast of the Mass, visit www.stamelia.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mental Health Advocates of Western New York (www.eriemha.org).

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