Stanley J. Grabiec

January 12, 2008

FHS Principal of the Class of 1976

NEW BEDFORD - Stanley J. Grabiec, 83, of New Bedford, died Saturday, January 12, 2008, at home, unexpectedly. Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Walter and Agnes (Zabik) Grabiec, he was a lifelong resident of the city. He was a communicant of the former St. Casimir's Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. He was an Army veteran of World War II. A 1942 graduate of New Bedford High School, Mr. Grabiec was a former star Crimson athlete in basketball, football, and baseball. He attended Dean Academy Prep School and graduated from the University of Rhode Island. He received his Master's degree in Education from Columbia University. Mr. Grabiec returned to New Bedford High School where he taught social studies and coached basketball. He held the distinction of both playing and coaching the NBHS Whalers team that won a Tech Tournament Class A Championship in 1961. After retiring from the high school as basketball coach that same year, he was the school's guidance counselor for 8 years. He had also served as evening school principal in the New Bedford school system. In 1968, Mr. Grabiec took on the position of principal of Fairhaven High School. He was active in MA State Principals' Association activities and in supervising athletic programs throughout the state as part of the M.A.I.A. He retired as principal of the high school in 1983. Mr. Grabiec was inducted into the N.B.H.S. Gridiron Club Football Hall of Fame in 1991. His favorite pastime was playing golf. He was a member of the Polish and American World War Veterans, Knights of Columbus, Polish Benefit and Social Club, and Pulaski Club. Survivors include his sister, Alyce Belina of New Bedford; a nephew, William Belina, Sr., and his wife, Jean of Easthampton, MA; a niece, Karen Coleman of Ft. Fairfield, ME; 2 great-nephews, William Belina, Jr., of Hatfield, MA, and Kevin Belina of Easthampton, MA; 1 great-great niece, Marissa Belina and 1 great-great nephew, Ryan Belina, both of Hatfield, MA. His funeral Mass will be at 10a.m., Wednesday, in OLPH Church, followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Calling hours are 4-8 p.m., Tuesday. Arrangements are by Machnowski—Schick Funeral Home. Published in the Standard-Times from 1/14/2008 - 1/15/2008.