William Francis Grau

William F. Grau

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of William Francis Grau

of Harford, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and friend, who left this world on July

9, 2025 at the age of 79.

Bill was born on February 2, 1946, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Robert F. Grau, Sr., and Arlene Siebert

Grau, and grew up in College Point, Queens. He was skilled with anything mechanical and was an ace at fixing

things. His jobs ranged from repairing subway cars for the New York City Transit Authority, to repairing

typewriters for Olivetti, to repairing point of sale cash register systems. He took that mechanical ability with

him upon moving to the central New York area in the late 1980s, working at Axiohm and Borg Warner in

Ithaca, among other companies.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Bill served his country with honor during the Vietnam War,

including a year stationed in Thailand. He carried that same unwavering commitment and loyalty into every

part of his life — especially in how he loved and cared for his family and friends.

To know Bill was to laugh — often and hard. He was a natural joke teller and storyteller, spinning tales that

somehow got better (and funnier) every time he told them. Whether around the kitchen table or at a

backyard barbecue, he was the spark that brought people together.

He had a deep love for music, which was always playing somewhere in the background of his life — from

classic rock, to old country, to singing in the St Fidelis Schola Cantorum in College Point, to the incredible

music he performed for about 40 years in the folk group, “Stout”, in NYC, of which he was a founding

member. Bill provided to Stout his exceptionally fine ear for music and distinctive knack for vocal harmonies,

bringing unique life and gusto to traditional American folk, Irish songs, and sea shanties. Music was the

soundtrack to his memories and a shared joy with those lucky enough to spend time with him.

He lived with heart, humor, and humility — a man who gave his best, even when no one was looking. Bill had

a way of making everyone feel like they mattered, and his presence will be profoundly missed.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, a brother, Robert Grau, Jr., and the love of his life, his beautiful wife of 33

years, Theresa. He is survived by his bonus daughter Andrea (Alan) Wilkinson of Groton, his sister, Susan

Jordan of Franklin, TN, 2 grandsons, 4 nieces, 4 great-nieces, and one great-nephew. He also leaves behind a

wide circle of friends and loved ones too numerous to name here, who will forever cherish his laughter, his

stories, and his example of strength and kindness.

In honoring his legacy, we remember a man who deeply loved his country, fiercely loved his people, and

never passed up the chance to tell a good story — or hear a great one.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 18th at 5pm. in Green Hills Cemetery, Dryden with full military honors followed by a celebration of

 Bill’s life to be held at the Dryden American Legion starting at 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that

donations be made to Matthew House, the hospice house in Auburn, NY where he spent his final week, or to

any Veteran related organization in honor of his service and his enduring spirit.

Fair winds and following skies, Billy. We’ll keep your stories alive — and maybe even get the details right.