Michael L. Grabler

Michael L. Grabler age 84 died peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. Michael was born August 25, 1940, to the late Joseph and Helen Grabler (nee Gilbert) in Jersey City, NJ. Michael loved Jersey City where he lived with his two older brothers, Joe and Bill and younger sister Monica. It was in Jersey City where he made his lifelong friends and went to his beloved alma mater Saint Peter’s Prep. After graduating Prep in 1958, Michael studied at Saint Peter’s College. It was soon after graduation that he met the love of his life Charlotte (nee Jaszewski). In 1966, Michael married Charlotte and went to Seton Hall Law School where he received his Juris Doctor. Michael and Charlotte moved to Clifton where they raised their family.  Michael and his family had many wonderful times in Clifton whether it was at swim meets for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Clifton, watching softball games for Eastern Little League, or relaxing at the Clifton pool. During his time in Clifton, Michael was a parishioner of Saint Brendan and Saint George’s Church where he was a trustee.

Michael loved to travel, and he and Charlotte visited many places. Michael was always looking to his next destination. After Charlotte died in 2007, he continued to travel usually with one of his children and their families. At that time, you could either find him on a cruise or in Disney World.

One of Michael’s greatest joys in life was being a grandfather. He loved his six grandchildren and had a special connection with each of them. He made his wife a pledge that when she was gone, he would look after the kids, and he lived up to that pledge.  His gentle spirit and kind heart will be missed.

Michael’s last few years were spent at the Cliffs in West Orange where they took excellent care of him.  The residents, staff, and workers loved Michael, and he loved them and for that his family is forever grateful.

Michael leaves behind his three daughters and their husbands, Stephanie and Joseph Derr, Suzanne and Tim Dillane, and Jeannine and David Majewski along with his grandchildren Michael, Matthew, and Emma Dillane; Joseph Michael Derr; and Amy and Steven Majewski.  He is also survived by his sister Monica Kasin and many nieces and nephews as well as lifelong friends. 

Visiting Wednesday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral Service Thursday 9:15 am at the Funeral Home. Mass 10:00 am at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Peter’s Prep, Office of Institutional Advancement, 144 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302, www.ssprep.org. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.

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