Obituary of Frederic W. Grau

Frederic William Grau
Walker Valley, NY

Fred is now reunited with his wife, Marion Rea Grau, parents, Margaret (Peggy) Sehrig and John Wesley (Wes) Grau Sr., and his brother, John (Jack) Wesley Grau Jr. His many life stories will be remembered and repeated by his children Judith (Doug) Pulver, Debra (Gerald) Sardella, Barbara (Michael) Agar-Jones and Bill (Monica) Grau. His grandchildren Jason and Michael (Bailey) Bergen, Jerry (Molly) and Gregory (Jess) Sardella, Tyler (Mercedes), Brandon (Kelsey) and Austin Agar, and Greyson and Madeline Grau will cherish the lessons Gramps taught them.  Gramps loved his three great-granddaughters Makenzie, Peyton and Paisley.  Fred will be forever in the hearts of his sisters-in-law Evelyn (Ron) Bethell, June Schuyler and Jeanne Grau and his 8 nieces and nephews, 17 great nieces and nephews and 9 great great nieces and nephew will have wonderful  memories of growing up with Uncle Fred.  Born in Queens NY, Fred spent the school year in the Bronx, graduating from James Monroe High School. On weekends and all summer he would explore the hamlet of Walker Valley from his family’s farm house. He had a great many friends at both locations with whom he shared his many adventures. Fred and his friends always managed to find something to keep themselves busy. Sometimes it led them into a little bit of trouble, but they always talked their way out of it. Fred also played Church league basketball in high school and softball throughout his life, including on the Walker Valley Firehouse team. His Victory Garden during World War 2 was a proud moment for him and his talk with Eleanor Roosevelt was etched in his memory. Fred played the trumpet, was first seat in his high school orchestra and played in every NYC parade, opening and major event with the Blue Jackets. Fred’s adult life was a continuation of his great adventure. After graduating from high school he went to work for Apex Records in Manhattan. There he recorded many recording artist and celebrities of the time either singing or reading stories for the Voice of America. After a few years, Uncle Sam summoned him to serve his country in Iceland with the Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Walker Valley and opened Shongum Trail Lodge (where he met and married Marion). He owned and operated the lodge for 15 years (including the pool which was open to local families), hosting Clambakes, Aqua Shows, movies and other events. During this time he also served as a Town of Shawangunk Assessor. In the late 1960’s, Fred developed Sam’s Point and opened up Ice Caves Mountain which he and Marion operated until 1997. His working career led him to repairing jet engine parts at Parvenu, in Ellenville until his retirement at age 70.  One of Fred’s joys later in life was teaming up with his brother Jack to play golf.   Giving back to the community was important to Fred. He formed “Save the Plattekill” to prevent pollution, fought the telephone company to get private lines in Walker Valley, worked with the Pine Bush School Board, served as Fire Police with the Walker Valley Fire Company to which he was a life member. He was on the Board of Directors of the Pine Bush Little League, serving as Umpire in Chief and starting the Big League.  He also served as an Assistant District Administrator for District 19 Little League. Fred was a proud lifetime member of the Guiding Star-Angle Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons. Friends would frequently stop by to talk to Fred and listen to the many stories about his life experiences, Walker Valley, the people he knew or just hear him reminisce. He would spend time with people from every generation and was always eager to share his knowledge.  There are people in one’s life who made a great impression. Fred was such a person. A celebration of his life will be held at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush, NY on Sunday September 23rd from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Walker Valley Fire Company or Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties Inc. To leave an online condolence please  www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com  Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc.