Denis L. Grau
Denis L. Grau, age 90, peacefully passed away on Sept. 5, 2024, at his home in the City of Chardon surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 11, 1934, to Frank and Florence (nee Dempsey), in Willoughby, Denis spent his entire life in the Chardon area and graduated from Chardon High School in 1953 where he lettered several years in basketball and track.
His membership in Future Farmers of America and attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony of the first CHS football field, where Bob Hope was the guest speaker, were always topics of lively conversation with friends in later years. He also started dating Lillian Divoky, who would later become Mrs. Denis Grau.
Denis was a Hilltopper for life and enjoyed attending many sports events, especially basketball games. In recent years, he was not able to navigate the steps in the gym bleachers but the kind custodial staff at CHS games would supply padded chairs near the court for him and Lillian to safely cheer on the teams of their grandchildren.
During his younger years and into high school, Denis spent summers working at local dairy farms and riding horses with his lifelong friend, Phil Kuhnel, through the beautiful landscape of Geauga County.
After high school, Denis joined the United States Coast Guard and spent four years in the areas of Toledo, the Panama Canal and Florida. His military service, and the service of many others, is recognized on a Hometown Hero banner in the City of Chardon.
Following his active-duty status, Denis married his high school sweetheart, Lillian, started a family and initially worked at Lindsey Wire in the Cleveland area, then briefly for Grau and Dreyer Electrical Appliances in Chardon. Soon he would begin his lifelong career in water conditioning and spent time with Kinetico, Water One and eventually operated his own business. Denis particularly enjoyed working with Dean Peska, of Plumb Inc. He helped thousands of people enjoy good, clean drinking water around Northeast Ohio.
His love of basketball would include coaching his children and their friends on CYO teams during the 1970s. He coached with enthusiasm but always insisted that all members of the team played sometime during the game, regardless of the score.
Denis joined the Catholic Church before marrying Lillian and they remained parishioners at the Church of St. Mary in Chardon. He thoroughly enjoyed practicing his faith and would often conclude conversations with “I’ll see you in church.”
Denis leaves behind a legacy of love and humor. During his last days, Denis’ energy was low but when visitors arrived at his bedside, he would smile, perk up and recall good memories with friends and family. Some would ask him why his first name, Denis, only had one “n.” He was response was “because that’s how you are supposed to spell it.”
Denis was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Florence Grau; sister, Loretta Hayward; and his honorary brother, Ken Bruening, who passed away on July 23, 2024.
Denis is survived by his loving wife, Lillian; children, Timothy (Darlene), Theresa (Gerry) Pilon, Denise (Terry) Kitchen, Christopher (Jane) and Jeffrey (Emily); grandchildren, Luke (Krittika), Hannah (Matthew), Elizabeth (Kyle), Andrew, Michael, Maria, Ben (Brittany), Addam (Tess), Lindsay (Corey), Sarah, Steve (Megan), Maggie (Matthew), Ryan, Cassidy and Evan; seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited for calling hours on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, from 3-6 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the Church of St. Mary, 401 North St., Chardon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Mary Bereavement Committee, 401 North St., Chardon, OH 44024.
The family would like to thank all those who provided gifts of their presence, nourishment, prayers and love during Denis’ final days.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared on-line at www.burrservice.com.
