March 24, 1954 – May 2, 2026
Fred Grabowsky, age 72, of Auburn, AL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 2nd, 2026. Born on March 24th, 1954, in Indiana, PA, Fred was the beloved son of Fred and Laila Grabowsky. As a child of a military family, he grew up in multiple places around the US. He attended the Naval Academy and went on to graduate from the University of Alabama in 1981 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked as an engineer in oil field logging, and in construction until his retirement when he settled in Auburn, Alabama with his wife Adelia.
Fred will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, generous spirit, tender heart, and remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel special. He lived with a quiet, steady faith that guided his actions and relationships. He had a gift for helping others and a natural ability to fix just about anything that was broken. Whether it was a household repair, a project for a friend, or simply lending a hand when someone needed him, Fred showed his love through action. He also had a lifelong habit of collecting odds and ends, always seeing value, possibility, or future purpose in things others might overlook. His resourcefulness, kindness, and one-of-a-kind personality were evident in everything he did.
At the center of Fred’s life was his deep and abiding love for his wife, Adelia, whom he believed hung the moon and the stars. Over their almost 45 years together, they shared countless wonderful adventures, though they eventually learned to steer clear of all boating-related activities. They were truly each other’s best friend and favorite companion, and a greater example of true love would be hard to find.
Fred was immensely proud of his children and never missed an opportunity to brag about them. To know Fred was to know how deeply he loved his family, because he spoke of them with pride, joy, and unmistakable affection every chance he had. That same pride and joy carried over to his grandchildren, who were among the great loves of his life. He treasured every moment spent with them, whether he was teaching them magic tricks, sneaking them m&ms, taking them fishing, telling stories, or simply making them laugh. His love for his family was unmistakable, and he made sure they knew, every day, just how much they meant to him.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Adelia Grabowsky; his daughters, Stephanie Grabowsky (Katy), Katie Spybey (Rick), and Mary Smithson (Zach); and his son, Jake Grabowsky. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Xander, Ella, Roland, Miller, Mary Caroline, and Arlo.
He is lovingly remembered by his siblings, Devra Boesch (Francis), Laila Bottomly (Kirk), Mark Grabowsky (Julie), Craig Grabowsky (Tami), Marla Jasper (Alan), Erik Grabowsky, and Alita Thomas (Bob), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Laila Grabowsky.
He enjoyed fishing and cherished time with his family at his sister’s lake house. Please join us there to celebrate his life on May 24th at 10:30 am at the Jasper Lake House.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor his memory by spending time with a loved one, perhaps at a thrift store giving new life to something old.
Fred will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
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