LOWVILLE - William G. Grab, 90, formerly of Brookside Circle, passed away on February 11, 2015, at Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility.

Mr. Grab was born November 13, 1924, in New Rochelle, NY, the son of William L. and Nellie McHale Grab. He married Mary Louise McEvoy on September 23, 1950, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Tenafly, N.J. Mrs. Grab died on February 17, 2006.

Mr. Grab is survived by five children: William D. Grab (Sarah), Pittsburgh, Pa., John R. Grab (Denise), Charleston, S.C., Barbara J. Cushing (Daniel), Lowville, NY; Margaret Brown and Marilyn Grab, both of Clinton, NY, a son-in-law Robert E. Powell, Northville, Michigan, a brother John Grab, Brookfield, CT, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A daughter, Catherine M. Powell died April 3, 2009. A sister, Irene Thornell, died October 31, 1968.

During World War II, Mr. Grab entered the army on February 14, 1943 and was assigned to the Army Air Corps. He volunteered for flight duty and was trained as a radio operator/gunner on a B-24 Bomber, assigned to the 15th Air Force 449th Bomb Group. He completed 35 combat missions over Europe as a technical sergeant. He received The Purple Heart, The Air Medal w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, The European African Middle East Campaign Ribbon with 4 Battle Stars, and The New York State Conspicuous Service Cross. He received a 15th Air Force Personal Citation for Valor while serving as a radar operator on a decoy aircraft, he shut down an enemy Flak Battery, allowing his Bomb Group to reach its target without enemy opposition. He received an honorable discharge on October 26, 1945.

In 1949, Mr. Grab graduated from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y. with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. From 1949 to 1951 he was employed by W.R. Grace & Co., N.Y., N.Y. as an accountant. From 1951 to 1964 he was an accountant at Newton Falls Paper Mill, Newton Falls, N.Y. In 1964, he accepted the position of Treasurer of The Stebbins Engineering & Manufacturing Co, Watertown, and subsidiaries. In 1967, he was named Vice President/Treasurer. In 1972, he became Chairman. Shortly thereafter, he and James Singer formed a real estate and investment company, G & S Properties. G & S Properties became the sole owner of The Stebbins Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Watertown and subsidiaries. As partners, they set up an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Both he and James Singer retired December 31, 1979 and turned the company over to the employees.

He served as a Board member for many organizations including The Sacred Heart Foundation, Mater Dei College Board of Advisors, and Utica Mutual Insurance Co. He also was Treasurer of the Clifton Fine Hospital Board of Managers and Treasurer of the then St. Lawrence Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a fifty year life emeritus member of The Institute of Management Accountants.

The family would like to thank Terri, Cathy and Becky who provided care to Bill during the last year in his home. Additionally, the family is grateful for the dignity, kindness and care provided by the staff of the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility.

Mr. Grab was a communicant of St. Peter's Catholic Church where a private memorial mass will be said with Rev. Christopher Carrara, pastor, officiating. A military burial will be at the convenience of the family.