Andrew A. 'Andy' Grabauskas

Forestport- Andrew A. Grabauskas, 81, of State Rt. 28, husband of Barbara, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Rome Memorial Hospital, Rome, NY. Affectionately known as Andy, he was born in Rome, on November 4, 1939, a son of Alexander A. and Lena Galle Grabauskas. Andy grew up on Rt. 28, Forestport, and graduated from Forestport Central School, with the Class of 1957. Thereafter beginning in 1957, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force, as a Fleet Mechanic, stationed in the United States, France and England, and was honorably discharged in September, 1961. While serving his country at Lakenheath Air Force Base in England, Andy met the love of his life, Barbara Wright. They were married on August 12, 1961, at St. Edmundsbury Church, in Bury St. Edmunds, County of Suffolk, England. This was a treasured union for almost 60 years. Upon returning to the United States in 1961, the couple lived in Boonville, before relocating to Division St. in Forestport, until 1975, when they constructed their present home on Rt. 28. Andy was a naturally born mechanic who greatly enjoyed fixing anything. He had a life interest in American automobiles and found great enjoyment during his high school years' employment at Bert Pullman's Futurematic Gulf Service Station in Alder Creek. Later he was employed as an auto mechanic at Ed Blask Ford Dealership in Utica. In 1987, he established Andy's Auto Service Garage, in Rt. 28, Forestport, which he operated until retiring in 2019. For many years, Andy specialized in repairing large trucks In addition to repairing automobiles, large trucks, and attending antique car shows, Andy greatly enjoyed spending time at his home and riding his four wheeler around his property, along with Kayaking, Motor Cycling, going on road trips, attending the Fly Wheels & Pulleys annual show in Constableville and the New York State Woodsmen's Field Days and parade in Boonville. For several years while living on Division St. in Forestport, Andy was an active member of the Forestport Fire Fighters, Inc., and for many years Andy served as a volunteer mechanic for the Forestport area fire departments. In addition to his wife, Barbara, Andy is survived by his daughters and a son in law; Linda (David) Hayes, Forestport, Debra Grabauskas, Yorkville; grandchildren, Kari and Bruce Coveny, Saquoit, Haley Grabauskas and her fiance, Brad Kaiding of West Leyden. Haley always thought of Andrew as a father figure, Krista Seelman and her fiance, Deven Crill, Remsen, NY; great grandchildren, Drake Hall and Aspen Crill; one sister, Elizabeth (Betty) McKinley and Taylor Dean, Collierville, TN; a niece, Joanne Rodriguez and nephew, Richard McKinley and numerous nieces and nephews, located in the U.S.A., Canada and England. Also surviving is Andy's "honorary brother," and lifetime friend, Donald Kirkland, Barneveld; a special brother and sister in law, Barry and Wendy Wright, England and many other cherished friends. Andy loved animals; he is also survived by his special canine companion and partner in crime, Katie. Services will be in Woodgate Cemetery, on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 1:00 P.M., where members of Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and Tun Tavern Marine Corps League will confer Military Rites. Memorial contributions may be made to The Forestport Fire Fighters, Inc. 11965 River Road, Forestport, NY 13338.