CUMBERLAND – Ronald V Grabenstein, SR, age 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 24, 2024 following his battle with cancer. He fought to the very end. There was never a time when he didn't have family or friends by his side.

Born January 9, 1936 to Alphonsus (Pete) and Anastasia Lenore (Heming) Grabenstein. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Anna Gilpin; one brother, Joseph (Ted) Grabenstein; two children at birth; granddaughter, Jennifer Jones; and sons-in-law Harold (Buck) Hyson and Vernon Schaidt.

Ronald graduated from Fort Hill High School, class of 1954 and always enjoyed reunions and luncheon get togethers.

Ronald joined the United States Air Force out of high school and served his country as Airman 1st class from 1954 to 1958 in Yuma, Arizona.

Ronald worked in his father's masonry business while in school, before joining the United States Air Force and continued when he returned before and during working in the maintenance department at Sacred Heart Hospital where in retired in 1999 with 33 years of service.

Ronald was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, He was a member of American Legion Post 13, District 16 VFD where he served as Chief for 16 years, the AGCVFRA where he served as President 1983/1984, and Maryland State VFD Association where he served on the Executive Board.

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 Chaplin at District 16 VFD, Allegany-Garrett County VFD Hall of Flame, MD State Firefighters Hall of Fame 1999, and MD State VFD Executive Board. 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, P.A. 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 at 11:00 a.m.

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.