James L. “Ace” “Floyd” Grabowski, Sr.

By Orleans Hub Posted 10 February 2022 at 8:15 am

James L. “Ace” “Floyd” Grabowski, Sr., 73, of Medina passed away at his home on Feb. 8, 2022. He was born Feb. 15, 1948 in Medina to the late Leo and Victoria (Szczechowiak) Grabowski.

He graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1965. Ace was a proud Navy veteran who served from 1967-1971 at the rank of Shipfitter Second Class SFM-2. He served on board the USS AKA88 Uvalde from 1967-1969 until the ship was decommissioned and then he transferred to the USS Suffolk County LST 1173 until he was discharged. Ace was a proud member of the USS Uvalde Association Reunion Club, the Tonkin Gulf Sailors Association, and the Butts-Clark Post 204 American Legion in Medina. He was proud of being a veteran and attended the Memorial Day parade in Medina every year.

He owned and operated Ace Radiator, “the best place in Orleans County to take a leak”, working as a mechanic and welder until his retirement. He was influential in bringing paid umpires to Medina Slow-Pitch softball where he was also the chief umpire for 8 years. Ace was also an avid RC Airplane, and dune buggy enthusiast, loved racing go-karts, and watching ice motorcycle races.

Ace is survived by his beloved dog, Sharky; children: Dawn (Craig) Basinait, Cindy (Eric) Newlands, Larry (Monique) Grabowski, James (Heidi) Grabowski, Jr.; grandchildren: Casey (David) Phelps, Eric James Newlands, Jr., Samantha, Kaitlynn, and Isabella Basinait, Drake, Gage, James Lewyn, Jason Lucas Grabowski; great-grandson, David Keith Phelps; siblings: Theresa (late Jerit) Vanauker, Edward (Lorie) Grabowski; Navy buddy, best friend and shipmate, John Kozik; dear friend Rob Robinson; and close friend, Robin Fisher.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411 on Sun., Feb. 13 from 1-4 p.m. where his funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Interment with military honors will be held at Mt. Albion Cemetery on Tue., Feb. 15 at 12 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Ace’s name may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice.

To share a special memory of Ace, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com