Robert William Gramling

Robert William Gramling of Islandia, New York, died Sunday, March 7, 2021 at the VA Hospital in Northport from Covid.

Robert (Bob) was born September 10, 1927 in Bronx, NY to William H. Gramling and Dorothy (Corcoran) Gramling.  He was a graduate of Christopher Columbus High School.  He proudly served in the United States Navy in 1945, stationed at Pearl Harbor with Honorable Discharge receiving the Asiatic Pacific Medal, American Theatre Medal and Victory Medal.  Bob served for 14^th months.  Bob and Catherine moved to Brookfield, Connecticut in 1959 to raise their family.  Bob joined the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department, Candlewood Company Incorporated in 1969 serving as firefighter and holding the elected positions of secretary and treasurer.  In 1973-74 he received the Firefighter of the Year Award.  In 1993 he was elected by the membership and became a “Life Member” of Candlewood Company.  He truly enjoyed and looked forward to attending the Memorial Day Picnic, the Annual Dinner and Holiday Party held at the firehouse.

Bob worked for The Perkin Elmer Corporation as a draftsman/designer for 23 years until his retirement.  He was a great golfer and avid bowler, lifelong NY Giants fan and NY Mets fan, loved listening to the Glenn Miller Orchestra,  Kate Smith’s – God Bless America, Vera Lynn’s – We’ll Meet Again and Elvis Presley songs.  He was a member of the VFW Islandia Chapter, Ancient Order Hiberians, East Islip, Division 7 and Marconi Lodge, East Islip.

Bob is survived by his amazing and caring friend Lorraine Kelly.

His three children:  Gary (Lisa) Gramling; Karen (Gregg) Miller and Denise (Michael) Goldstein.  His grandchildren, Monica (Christopher) Reynolds, Meghan (Michael) Scorza, Ryan Goldstein, Tyler Goldstein, Jared Goldstein, Andrew Morelli and Amanda Morelli.  His great grandchildren:  Gavin, Elizabeth, Chase, Baby Reynolds due next month, Connor and Harper.

His Long Island Family.  Debbie, Barney, Alex, Liza Aquilino.  Alycia, Stephen, Liam, McKenna Broderick.  Jon, Lisa, Julia, Sydney Nicholsen.

His brother Edward Gramling and wife Maureen of Michigan.  His sister-in-law Theresa Gramling of Florida.  Many nieces, nephews, friends, bowling buddies and neighbors.  Bob was predeceased by his brother William J. Gramling.

Bob had a passion for life.  Always lending a helping hand to everyone.  Never asking for anything in return – a “Super Senior” until the very end.  He will be sorely missed.

A mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, March 12^th at Parish of the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 95 Nichols Road, Nesconset, NY at 10 AM.  Masks and social distancing will be observed.  Burial will be following at Calverton National Cemetery in Wading River, New York with full military honors.  Burial is private for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to: Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department, Candlewood Company Incorporated, P.O. Box 296, Brookfield, CT 06804.