Nelson W. Grabenstetter

September 13, 2020 at 97yrs. Predeceased by his daughter, Ellen and wife Lois. Survived by his sons, Bill (Sharon) of Rochester, Peter of Monterrey CA, and niece Sharon McKeiver of Rochester as well as many other nieces and nephews. After excelling at the one room school house in Henrietta, he entered Monroe High School at the age of 10, was held an additional year there to mature a bit more and entered University of Rochester at 15. At 18 yrs, he graduated with a BA in Chemical Engineering and went to work for the Shell Development Co near Oakland CA.

He soon wanted to "get in the war" and run small boats. Physical limitations kept him from the Navy, but he leveraged contacts he made sailing the 78 ft topmast schooner White Cloud,(seen in the movie "Lady from Shanghai"), and got an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and Citation for heroism for saving the life of a sailor in Manila Bay.
After the war he returned to Rochester, met and married Lois, worked for the Eastman Kodak Company, raised a family, and rose thru the ranks retiring as Manager, Kodak Colorado Division.

The family wishes to thank Latta Road East Nursing home as well as Lifetime Hospice for their care and compassion.
Due to COVID, there will only be a private ceremony.