The Maryland State Firemen’s Association and the District 16 Volunteer Fire Department regretfully announce the
passing of Past Chief Richard V. Grabenstein, Sr.He was a dedicated member of the District 16 VFD where he responded to their emergencies, hauled many gallons of drinking water to area residents, called bingo every Thursday night for many years, and enjoyed the Saturday night dances where he loved to call the square dances.
Ronald’s other accomplishments include Past Chief (Chief award 2004), President, Trustee, and Chaplain at District 16 VFD, Allegany-Garrett County VFD Hall of Flame, MD State Firefighters Hall of Fame 1999, and served on the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Executive Committee 1986-1988. Received Fireman of the Year 4 years and Special Recognition Ambulance Service 2007.Ronald is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty (Twigg), 12 children: Anna Hyson, Springfield, WV; Anthony Grabenstein (Rose), Maurertown, VA; Rhonda Schaidt, Cumberland, MD; Edward Grabenstein (Pamela), Toms Brook, VA; Jeffrey Grabenstein, Cumberland, MD; Robert Grabenstein (Jenise), Fort Ashby, WV; Carla Shafer (Bruce), Oldtown, MD; Sherry Wiley (Paul), Jacksonville, AR; Patricia Fields (Cecil), Fort Ashby, WV; Ronald Grabenstein Jr (Julie), Cumberland, MD; Melissa Shook & friend Mike, Fort Ashby, WV; and Frederick Grabenstein (Karen), Statesboro, GA; grandchildren Scott, Chris, Mandy, Veronica, Gabriel, Avery, Nathen, Jeremy, Michael, Caleb, Zach, Elijah, Alex, Kylie, Trevor, Megan, Josh, Jeffrey, Justin, Ryan, Tonya, Daniel, Cynthia, Brenna, Devin, Noah, Kaide; great grandchildren Bristol, Gracie, Kaylee, Kenzie, Ariana, Brayden, Shayla, Chelsea, Silas, Jace, Makenzie, Elliott, AnnaLeigh, Arabella, Hayden, Haisley, Harper, Brooklyn, Eian, Raelynn, Camden, Dawson, Sadie; sister-in-law Virginia Cessna.
Friends will be received at Scarpelli Funeral Home on Virginia Avenue on Wednesday, February 28, from 3 to 7 pm. At the conclusion of the visitation, the Christian Wake service will be conducted. On the following day, the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery where the American Legion will perform Legion of Honor.
Pall bearers will be grandsons Scott, Gabriel, Avery, Nathan, Alex, Josh, Jeffrey, Devin and Noah.
The family would like to thank the UPMC Schwab Cancer Center; a very special thanks to our UPMC Hospice family, especially Christy, Brittany, and Jane whom dad always enjoyed their visits. Thank you Cathy Pannone for giving up your time for regular haircuts and communion to mom and dad. Also thank our family and friends for continued thoughts and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations be made to Our Lady of the Mountain, St. Mary’s Parish at 300 E Oldtown Road, Cumberland MD 21502 or District 16 VFD at 12100 N Branch Road SE, Cumberland, MD 21502 in Ronald’s name.
John F. Long, Jr., ETC, USCG, RET.“The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him,and I am helped.” Psalm 28:7
