HALFMOON - John C. Grathwol, 58, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021, at his parents’ home after a valiant struggle with cancer. A person of deep Catholic faith, he remained focused on his hopes for a recovery and continued working throughout his illness. John was born July 9, 1962, in Glen Cove, NY, to Rex and Carol Grathwol. He was a 1984 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
John worked for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for over 30 years,
and served as past president of the Albany Society of Engineers. An avid New York
Yankees fan, he dedicated much of his free time to coaching with the Special Olympics
organization in the Capital Region. His friendships with athletes and his fellow coaches
were some of the highlights of his life.
John was a devoted father and family man. He was predeceased by his beloved
grandparents Albert and Ann Cohan, and Ernest and Tina Grathwol. He is survived by a
son, Sean Grathwol; parents, Rex and Carol Grathwol; sisters, Ann Marie (Mark)
Adamick and Sue (Bill) Pennock; nephew and godson, Jeremy Pennock; nephew,
Matthew Pennock; niece, Megan Pennock; uncles and cousins.
John’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Michael Gardner and PA Richard
Clark for the years of compassionate care they provided to John, and to Charlene
Nielsen, RN, for the conscientious and expert care she provided during John’s
treatments.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 20th at Noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 167 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, with burial to follow in St. Paul's Cemetery, Mechanicville. Calling Hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville will be held on Wednesday from 5-7 PM. Due to Pandemic guidelines, mask wear and social distancing will be followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John’s name to St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital.