It is with deep sadness the Grabo family announces the death of Edward William Grabo, 69, of Clinton, Washington. Ed passed away November 21, 2021 at home after a valiant battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Joan; his sons’ Jeremy (Christina); Jason (Mike), and Michael (Marinna) Osburn and grandchildren; Ayden (8), Collins (5) and Bellamy (4). His sister, Pamela (Stephen) Dyer, nephews, Jeff (Amanda), Greg (Monica), Matt (Nicki), niece, Leanna (Justin) from Idaho. Nephews, Eric (Colleen), Keith (Theresa) Jiran from Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward John and Muriel Elizabeth Grabo, and Sister Bobbi Theony.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, the family moved to Bellevue in 1966, as his dad accepted a job as The Boeing Co.’s Aerial Photographer. A 1970 graduate of Newport High School, Ed enlisted in the Navy stationed in Oak Harbor and served on the USS Kitty Hawk Naval Aircraft Carrier for four years, from 1970-1974, as a Naval Aviation Electricians Mate, with an additional two years served in the Naval Reserves. He received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/palm medal; Vietnam Campaign medal; Navy Unit Commendation and Vietnam Good Conduct and Service medal.
Ed loved his 37 year career as a Boeing Manufacturing and Operations Leader. His passion for airplanes began as an aviation electrician working on the original 747 aircraft. His career expanded to Factory Manager, Sr. Operations Leader to Factory Superintendent making contributions to the 737, 747, 757, 777-200LR and 777/300ER and 787 programs. He was known as the Factory Guy, Senior Manager of Manufacturing and Operations. The Engineering Integration “go to guy”for the 777 programs. Leading Manufacturing and Operations Integration team for the 787 systems. A Director of Manufacturing for the 747 program. He wore many hats throughout his 37 year career at Boeing in Everett and Renton!
In 1998, Ed married his best friend and the love of his life, Joan. They were married 23 beautiful years. Ed lived an action packed life, filled with a deep passion for family, friends, cooking, camping, boating, crabbing and living by the sea. He loved working in “his shop” creating exotic wood Charcuterie boards, cutting boards, knife blocks and bird houses. He was always planning the next camping adventure, and entertaining his friends with his quick wit and kindness. Ed was a former President of the Whidbey Island Eagles #3418, a former Board Member of the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club and supported South Whidbey’s American Legion Post 141. His greatest joy was to bring groups of people together with great food, drink and conversation. Summer time was party time, especially on the 4th of July with a roasted pig in the La Caja. After Thanksgiving, he’d often say: “That was the best time ever! I love cooking and sharing food with family and friends, it just doesn’t get any better.” Ed was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his wife, Joan, and his family and friends along with his two Boxers, Gunner and Luna.
As a proud Navy Veteran, Ed was laid to rest with Military Honors at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to mustluvboxersrescue.com, WAIF, or your favorite charity on Whidbey Island. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.
