Grebski, Marian May 7, 1937 - September 30, 2023

We are saddened by the passing of Marian Zygmund Grebski, 86, on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortland, New York. Marian’s death, although unexpected, came after a six month battle with pancreatic cancer and concurrent health complications. Marian was born on May 7, 1937 in Majdan, Poland to Michael Grebski and Emilia Burkowiecz. After moving to and growing up in the coastal town of Gdansk, Marian escaped war-torn Poland at the age of 20 on a sailboat with two close friends, barely surviving a treacherous journey in the storm-laden Baltic Sea. He joined the U.S. Army in West Germany and enjoyed playing soccer for the 24th Infantry Division team across Europe before returning to the United States to finish his military service.

After an honorable discharge, he settled down in New York where he pursued a profession in interior design and architecture, designing and overseeing newly developed properties across the country for IBM for almost 30 years. Marian met and married his wife, Irene Baeva, before having twin girls and starting a family together in Bronxville, NY. Marian was a gifted athlete, and although he loved sports like tennis and skiing, his real passion was playing golf which he whole-heartedly enjoyed well into his retirement. Most of all, he was extremely dedicated to his family, both nuclear and extended, with an incredibly generous spirit, always quick to offer support to those in need. For his courage, generosity, hard work, and sincere devotion, he is deeply loved, admired, and fondly remembered.

Marian is survived by his loving wife, his daughters, Gabriela Maria and Claudia Emily, son-in-law, Joel Fetter, two grandchildren, Jacqueline Cecilia and Dean Alexander, his older sister, Anna Grebski and extended family in Poland and Germany. Marian is preceded in death by his older brothers, Zygmund Grebski, Henry Grebski, and Stanley Grebski and his older sister, Krystyna Olszewska.

Marian will be honored by family and friends on Saturday, October 21 at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home in Bronxville, NY. Visiting hours will be held from 1-3pm with a memorial service at 3pm. Marian will be laid to rest at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marian Grebski’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.