George Samuel Grab, 77, of Columbia, Pennsylvania, passed away at his home on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Born on February 2, 1949, in Columbia, Pennsylvania, George was the son of the late Samuel George and Martha Mary (Nikolaus) Grab.
George was a proud United States Army veteran who served his country during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Specialist Five. His military service was an important chapter in his life and one that reflected his dedication to his country.
Following his military service, George built a career spanning more than 40 years with the telephone company, beginning with United Telephone Company and eventually retiring from CenturyLink. Throughout those years, he worked as a lineman in installation and repair. Never one to miss an opportunity for a little humor, George often joked that his impressive calf muscles were the result of spending so many years climbing telephone poles.
A lifelong member of Holy Trinity Church in Columbia, George held his Catholic faith and church community close to his heart. One of his favorite ways to serve was through the annual tradition of making fasnachts. Year after year, George could be counted on to lend a hand, sharing in the work, fellowship, and laughter that came with this beloved tradition. He rarely missed an opportunity to participate, finding joy in doing his part to serve both his church and the community he called home.
George was a man of many interests, but a few held particularly special places in his heart. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan, a passionate photographer, and a man who treasured his German heritage. He was a member of the Lancaster Liederkranz, where he sang with the Hobby Chor and proudly served as the club's unofficial photographer. Whether capturing a special moment through his camera lens or enjoying the fellowship of friends, George found joy in the people and traditions that surrounded him.
His trips to Germany were among the highlights of his life. The memories he made there stayed with him throughout the years, and he often spoke of his dream to one day return. Though that dream remained unfulfilled, the joy those journeys brought him never faded.
George was also a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, another reflection of his Catholic faith and his commitment to fellowship and service.
Above all, George leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and love. Those who knew him will remember his sense of humor, his familiar stories, his love of photography, and the special way he found happiness in the things that mattered most to him.
George was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, James Grab; and his infant siblings.
He is survived by his younger brother, Rev. Michael Grab; his sons, William Thomas Grab and his wife, Stacey, of Breezewood, Pennsylvania, and Peter George Grab of Columbia, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Kayloni, Alana (John), Alisha, and Thomas (Isabella); and his three great-granddaughters, Quianna, Kinsley, and Chloe.
A Special Thank-You from George's Family
There are people who quietly become blessings in our lives, not through grand gestures, but through the simple, faithful acts of love they offer day after day. George was fortunate to have several such people in his life, and his family would be remiss not to recognize them.
To those George so affectionately referred to as "the cousins" — Steve Grab, Steve "Nick," and Bernadette Horn — words cannot adequately express our gratitude. Over this past year, when distance prevented us from being there as often as we wished, you stepped in without hesitation. From grocery runs and post office stops to preparing for trash day, washing clothes, and countless other acts of kindness, you made sure Dad was cared for. More importantly, you made sure he knew he was never forgotten or alone.
To Frank Biagio, thank you for faithfully bringing Dad his Sunday paper. What may have seemed like a small gesture was a treasured part of his routine and a reminder that someone was thinking of him.
And to Mike Braun, thank you for always being willing to step in whenever the cousins or family couldn't be there. Your kindness, dependability, and friendship meant more than you may ever know.
To each of you, please know that you were so much more than helping hands. You were a source of comfort, companionship, and love. You meant the world to Dad, and you will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We are deeply grateful that he had each of you in his life.
As we say goodbye to George, we find comfort in knowing that a life is not measured simply by the number of years lived, but by the memories made, the friendships treasured, and the love left behind.
His camera may now be still, his stories may have come to an end, and his dream of another journey to Germany may remain unfinished, but the moments he captured and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Rest peacefully, George, dad, Opa. Your journey here is complete, but your story will continue to be told by those who were blessed to be part of it.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry Street, Columbia, PA 17512 on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Michael Grab, Celebrant. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may view at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.
Kindly omit flowers, contributions in George’s memory to Holy Trinity Catholic Church would be deeply appreciated.
