William W. Grater's Obituary
William W. "Bill" Grater, age 82 of North Ridgeville, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, June 4, 2013 following a short illness.
He was born in Belfry Trooper, PA. Growing up in Pennsylvania, he moved to Fairview Park in 1965, then to North Ridgeville in 1998.
A US Marine, he served during the Korean War earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Prior to enlisting, he played one season at 3rd base for the Portsmouth, Ohio farm team of the Philadelphia Athletics. An avid sports fan, he was a season ticket holder for the Cleveland Browns and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. He also enjoyed golfing, flower gardening and traveling.
Mr. Grater worked with Americhem Inc. in Cuyahoga Falls for 28 years, retiring in 1996 as the Materials Manager.
He was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church, North Olmsted and former member and past Treasurer of Fairview Baptist Church.
Mr. Grater was a 31 year member of the Masons, most recently with the John W. Barkley Masonic Lodge #621, N. Olmsted. He was a member of the Al Koran Shrine, 33rd degree member of the Valley of Cleveland and a Knight of the York Cross of Honor.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Lolita A. (nee Arey) sons, Michael (Judy) of Wilmington, Delaware, Paul (Gayle) Grater of Stow, daughter, Cynthia (Robert) Wilson of Strongsville, 7 grandchildren, Michael (Rachel), Jeffrey, Stephen, Colin, Nicole, Austin, Kevin, brothers, Robert and Herbert Grater, sisters, Alverta Moyer and Pearl Thompson all of Doylestown, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Katie (nee Young) Grater, three sisters and six brothers.
The family will receive friends Friday from 5-8 PM at Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Rd. North Ridgeville, where a Masonic Service will be conducted at 7:30 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 25200 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted. Reverend Dr. Tom MacMillan, Pastor, will officiate.
Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, N. Olmsted where military honors will be conducted at the gravesite.
Memorial contributions may be made to John Knox Presbyterian Church Mission Fund in memory of William Grater.
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