Francis Grabowski
Francis Joseph Grabowski, 93, of Troy, passed away at 11:42 A.M., Friday, December 25, 2020 at the Anderson Hospital in Maryville.
Francis retired after teaching high school Latin for thirty years in Granite City. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He was a member of both the American Legion Post #976 and St. Jerome’s Church in Troy. After graduating from high school, he studied classical piano at the University of Illinois and earned a Master’s Degree in Education. Francis was an active member of the St. Louis Metro Polka Club. He loved polka dancing and traveled to many festivals throughout the country. Francis and Berneice were avid travelers to both foreign and domestic destinations. He was a lifelong sports fan who enjoyed and attended many University of Illinois football and basketball as well as Chicago Cubs and Bears games.
He was born March 13, 1927 at Du Bois, IL, the son of Joseph and Dionysia (Kujawski) Grabowski.
He married Berneice M. Loos on June 18, 1960 at the St. Brunoís Catholic Church in Pinckneyville and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Troy, four children – Agatha DeFranco and husband Dr. John of Palos Park, Joseph F. Grabowski and wife Anna of Moro, Angela Williams and husband Howard of Concord, NC, and Paul A. Grabowski and wife Kira of Troy, grandchildren – Johnny, Joseph and Nicolas DeFranco, Midori and Frankie Grabowski, Dorian and Sawyer Williams and Noelle and Aidan Grabowski.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter in infancy – Mary Ann Grabowski, four brothers – Sylvester, Ted, John and Judge Michael K. Grabowski, and one sister – Angela Grabowski.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois with Fr. Oliver Nwachukwu officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.
Please use social distancing guidelines. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask.
Burial will be in the St. Charles Cemetery at Du Bois.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to the St. Charles Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
