Ronald V. Grabler's Obituary
Ronald V. “Ron” Grabler January 23, 1932 – May 23, 2025
Ron Grabler, formerly of Escondido, CA, passed away peacefully at the age of 93, with his daughters and family by his side. An intelligent, engaging man of dry humor, many interests, and integrity, he will be dearly missed. Ron was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Lori Grabler, in 2023. He is survived by their three children, Debra, Sherrel, and Brent Grabler, and three grandchildren, Grace, Mike, and Faith Guzman.
Ron was born in Portland, Oregon, the son of Ralph John and Faye Price Grabler. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1955, where he was a member of the Varsity Golf Team, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and the freshman Rally Squad. Through the ROTC program, he began his 28-year career in the USAF and retired as a decorated Colonel.
The first half of his military career was spent flying B-47 and B-52 bombers in the Strategic Air Command, followed by B-57 and OV-10s in Vietnam where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross along with many other service awards throughout his career.
After graduate school in Logistics Management, he entered the world of national and international logistics assignments for many major programs, finishing with the F-16 fighter plane. After retiring from the USAF in 1984, Ron worked with General Dynamics. He then ran several career development programs and was the director of a non-profit organization, the San Diego Regional Technology Alliance.
Pre- and post-retirement activities included golf, traveling, racing and teaching competition driving with his Alpha Romeo Spyder and Porsche 944, snow skiing, fine woodworking with a degree from Palomar College, reading, and socializing with friends made over his lifetime.
Ron will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery with his wife Lori on July 8, 2025. A celebration of life is planned afterward. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the San Diego-Lindbergh Chapter of The Distinguished Flying Cross Society, a 501(c) (19) nonprofit organization.
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