Richard "Rich" Grabauskas

WATERBURY - Richard M. Grabauskas, 80, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Abbott Terrace Health Center in Waterbury. He was the husband of Linda (Shonka) Grabauskas.

Rich was born December 16, 1938 in Hartford, the son of the late Peter Grabauskas and Margaret Grabauskas-Guilmartin. He was educated in local schools and was an electrician for the I.B.E.W. Local #35. He loved working with his hands and spent his time helping many of his relatives turn their houses into homes.

Besides his wife of 47 years, Rich is survived by his sisters-and brothers-in-law, Jeanne and Bill Ward of Naugatuck, and David and Angeline Shonka of Virginia; his nieces and nephews Lorinda and Robert Bickley of Middlebury, Margaret and Bill Ward of Torrington, Jillkerry and Brian Toolan of New York, David and Katy Shonka of Virginia, and Natalie and Justin Elicker of New Haven; as well as a brother-in-law; several other nieces and nephews and his beloved great nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Rich is predeceased by his father-and mother-in-law, John and Pearl Shonka; his father Joe Guilmartin; his sister and his nephew Bobby Ward.

His wife would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital and the entire staff of Abbott Terrace, especially the 4th floor nursing staff and therapists for their kindness to Rich during his illness.

Arrangements – Visitation for Rich will be held on be Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow St. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Monday morning March 4, 2019 at 10:30 and proceed to St. Francis of Assisi Church, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Church, 318 Church St., Naugatuck, 06770 or to the CT Humane Society 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111.