Edward C. Grapski

Edward Cleland Grapski, age 73, of Damascus, MD passed away quietly on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 with his wife at his side.  Ed was one of six children born to Dorothy and Lad Grapski, on October 19, 1946, in Daytona Beach FL.   He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Kathy, his brothers, Ladd (Sharon), Richard (Mary), and sister, Barbara Martin (Dan), several nieces and nephews, and many loving family and friends.  He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lauryn, parents, brother, Robert Grapski, and sister, Mary Rowe.

Ed grew up in Baltimore. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps November 1965.  He served in Vietnam 1967-68 receiving several service medals and remained in the Marine Corps Reserves until 1971.

He joined the Baltimore City Police Department in 1969 and continued serving those citizens until 1971 when he left to attend the University of Baltimore, receiving a Business Degree in 1974.

Following graduation, Ed joined the Montgomery County Police Department in 1974 initially serving as a Patrol Officer and later became a Field Training Officer for new recruits in the Department.  During the last 10 years of his service, he served as a Detective in Family Services before retiring in 2002.  After retirement, Ed contracted with U. S. Immigration and Customs Department performing background checks for new employees.

He met the love of his life, Kathleen M. (Morley) in 1971 and they were married in Baltimore on May 2, 1975.  They enjoyed many social events and excursions throughout their 44 years of devotion.

Ed had a heart of gold and was committed to finding the good in people.  He is remembered for his love of family and his daughter and her friends…coaching their lacrosse teams, and checking their auto tire pressure and oil; and for sharing wisdom with those who were open to listen.  His smile lit up a room!

Ed enjoyed spending time fishing and cruising on the Chesapeake Bay on his beloved boat, the “Lauryn B.”   He also enjoyed traveling, hiking in the woods, skeet shooting, and any type of home improvement project, from painting to building sunrooms and decks.

He was a member of the Montgomery County Police Alumni Association, Damascus American Legion Post 171, the Izaak Walton League, St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Damascus, and the Montgomery County Rock Steady Boxing Club.

Ed was diagnosed with Parkinson’s over 13 years ago.  He valiantly fought the disease daily by doing everything he could to keep moving and busy.  Ed was a “fighter” with Rock Steady Boxing of Montgomery County.  Rock Steady Boxing is a program especially for people with Parkinson’s, to teach body strengthening, balance exercises, and hand – eye coordination.  It is a wonderful Community of Fighters, Coaches, Trainers and Volunteers.

Friends may call 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, Maryland 20872.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 6 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 9250 Damascus Road, Damascus, Maryland 20872.  Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Rock Steady Boxing “To fight back against Parkinson’s” 

Montgomery County

15213 Display Court

Rockville, MD  20850

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.molesworthwilliams.com

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