Mr. Lawrence A. Grabenstein, age 70 of Fernandina Beach, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, June 16, 2017 at the Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla., with Cheryl, his wife of 26 years, by his side. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in June 2016
Born in Cumberland, Md., he was the son of the late Herman Joseph and Irene Rita Ley Grabenstein. He was a graduate of LaSalle High School and obtained his bachelor degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia in 1968. From 1968 to 1973, Larry taught political science at Good Counsel High School located in Wheaton, Md. He later earned his master degree in political science from the University of Maryland. In 1973, Larry began his career in the investment field, with Potomac Financial Group in Calverton, Md. In 1983, he joined Raymond James, where he was the first adviser to receive top honors for 25 consecutive years. He successfully ran his business until transitioning to Wike Financial in 2012.
Larry was a long-time member of the Terrapin Club, and he began his personal involvement with the organization until the early 1990s. He served as Terrapin Club president and was an integral part of the Maryland Gridiron Network. He was also an M Club member. He was the 2017 Jack Heise Lifetime Acheivement Award winner. In 2012, he and his wife moved to Amelia Island, Fla., where he was active with the Museum of History as a docent.
He leaves behind his wife, Cheryl C. Grabenstein; four children, Allison Oliver, Mike Grabenstein, Kara Lanzillo and Jenna Kernus; his mother, Irene Grabenstein; 10 grandchildren; two brothers; a sister; and nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, June 23, 2017, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 4202 Norbeck Road, Rockville, Md., 20853, with the Reverend Father Patrick Carrion, Celebrant.
Please share his Life Story and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla., 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors