Ronald D. Graboski

Ronald D. Graboski, 68, of Tottenville, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief sudden illness. A lifelong resident of Staten Island, he was born in March of 1957 in West Brighton and raised in Westerleigh. Ron and his brothers were active in athletics around the island, including Mid-Island Baseball, and Staten Island Boys Football. He attended Susan Wagner High School and shortly after began his 35 year career as a bus operator for the NYC MTA. A hard worker who thrived most keeping busy, Ron also owned and operated his private exterminating business, Hired Killer Pest Control, Inc. In 1981, he married his wife Diane (Calise), and they settled in the South Shore where they raised their two sons.

Ron was a fervent baseball enthusiast and skilled player and coach. A storied catcher from a long line of exceptional baseball players, Ron is said to have often thrown harder than the pitches he caught when he played. After his time as a player ended, Ron took to coaching and was able to balance his personal and professional obligations while still dedicating so much of himself to the organizations, teams, and individual players he coached for over 20 years. Ron was a beloved coach for South Shore Little League, Richmond County Baseball Club, Moore Catholic High School, and also coached basketball for Our Lady Help of Christians. He is a Co-founder of the Staten Island Orioles Baseball Organization. Coach Ron will forever be known as a “Staten Island Baseball Legend”, recognized for his undeniable impact on hundreds of former baseball players whom he was so excited and proud to have the chance to develop as athletes and young men. Any player of Ron’s wasn’t just a star on the field, as he made sure each of them knew things like how to give a proper handshake, how to wear their hat, and so many more important life skills he instilled in his athletes.

A fierce competitor by nature, Ron was also a decorated bowler, often seen at Showplace Bowling Alley. He bowled 300 multiple times and was recognized among the top bowlers on Staten Island as a champion. He continued to bowl with his close friends and brother weekly. Ron also enjoyed golfing on Staten Island and around the country with his father, brothers, and close friends, and loved playing cards every week with his lifelong friends.

Ron was best known to many as a loyal friend. If you called him with any problem, he would show up immediately to help without question. It is no wonder he was able to maintain lifelong friendships with so many, all whom loved him dearly.

Ron is predeceased by his loving mother and father, Joan and Ron Graboski, his father-in-law, William Calise, and his sister-in-law, Joyce Milea. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Diane, his two sons and their wives, Ronnie (Terasa) Graboski, and Kyle (Jessica) Graboski, and his mother-in-law, Theresa “Terry” Calise. His granddaughter, Giavanna Rae, was the light of his life and he was so proud and full of joy to be her “Poppy”. Ron is also survived by his brothers and sister, Steven (Nancy) Graboski, Edward (Gerri) Graboski, and Joann (Vadim) Mostovoy and brother-in-law, Billy (Pat) Calise, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss him dearly. Last, Ron is survived by an incredible number of close friends who were truly family. Ron’s reach and impact in the lives of so many are a testament to his kindness, generosity, and commitment to all those he cared for in his life.

Services will be held to honor his life and memory. A visitation will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bedell Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Child Roman Catholic Church, 4747 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY. A private cremation will follow.

"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." — Yogi Berra