Grabowski, Richard J., Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired, age 86, of Orlando, FL, passed away on September 22.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, the son of Joseph and Anna Grzybowski, he graduated from Marymount High School in 1958. After receiving his degree from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving a total of 30 years active and reserve duty, primarily in the field of Intelligence. Throughout his military service, he received numerous awards and citations, achieved the rank of Captain, and was awarded the coveted designation of Integrated Undersea Systems Specialist. Prior to his retirement from the Navy in 1992, he served as Reserve Intelligence Area Commander for all Reserve Intelligence units assigned to Florida and the Caribbean.

He also served as the State of Florida Navy Vice President for the Reserve Officers’ Association and was a past president of the Central Florida Reserve Officers’ Association. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America and the Central Florida Navy League.

His civilian career in Procurement and Contract Administration included management positions with Westinghouse Naval Plant Apparatus Division, Westinghouse Advanced Reactors Division, United Nuclear Corp. Naval Reactors Division, Colt Industries, and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Division. He retired from Lockheed Martin in 2003 after 23 years of service.

Richard was also active in city government, serving the City of Edgewood as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board and the Code Enforcement Board. In addition, he was a member of the Edgewood Charter Review Committee, the Orange Avenue Beautification Committee, and other local advisory boards.

His interests included golf, fishing, boating, antique cars, and sailing.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Peggy. He is survived by their sons, Jim and Steve; daughter, Lisa; seven grandchildren; and his two sisters, Carol and Joan.