OBITUARY FROM BURNS FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE:
David J. Grabczak, age 75, of Hobart, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, six days shy of his 76th birthday. He was a devoted father, partner, grandfather, uncle, and friend to countless people in our community.
David was known around the region as the “HVAC Guy” and “The Nicest Guy with the Biggest Heart.” He began his career in 1971 at Area Sheet Metal, where he worked alongside his brother-in-law and many great colleagues, servicing residential and commercial HVAC systems until his retirement in 2009. He was the original “I Got A Guy,” always ready to lend a helping hand at any hour.
He cherished his large, loving family including his four children, David K. Grabczak, Amy Murphy, Christy Brown, and Angela Grabczak; more than 100 foster children and daycare kids who touched his heart; and his longtime partner of 20 years, Mary LaBuda, and her family—Bernadette (Doug Hazzard) Bray, Ann (Scott) Shaginaw, Carrie Bellamy, and Jerome (Brianne) LaBuda—who blended so beautifully with his own family. His grandchildren - Cara Button, Katelyn Murphy, Kylie Murphy, Calvin and Nolan Shaginaw, Coner Bray and Preston Grabczak, made his world complete. Dave is also survived by his sisters, Diane Heller, Joann Knapp and Joyce Grabczyk (Chuck Simchak).
From Pop Warner and Little League fields to basketball courts and softball diamonds, David was the biggest supporter of his “little brickies,” showing up in force and leaving a lasting impact. A social butterfly in the stands, his friendships grew into lifelong memories, filled with laughter and adventure. He was the “Conversion Van” and “Vacation King,” always up for a road trip—from Florida to the Wisconsin Dells, beaches to roller coasters, and even white-water rafting. Our Very Own “Sparky” He loved cruising to Beach Boys, Beatles, and Elvis, and he could turn any gathering—hog roasts and parties—into an unforgettable, over-the-top celebration with his generous spirit.
David loved his family and friends deeply, and holidays brought his brightest light. Christmas was never dull when he was around, as he delighted in spoiling loved ones with thoughtful gifts. Even in his final days, his smile lit up the room whenever a familiar face walked in. His generosity and humility will be cherished, remembered, and carried forward by all who knew him.
David was preceded in death by his father Raymond Grabczak, mother Ireen Grabczak, brother Larry Grabczak, sister Gloria Sullivan, brothers-in-law, Michael Sullivan, Mark Heller and Dale Knapp, nephew Brain Heller and niece Erin Cinko and his stepdaughter Juliet LaBuda.
A celebration of David’s life will be held Friday February 20, 2026 at Burns Funeral Home 701 East 7th Street Hobart, IN from 2pm until a time of sharing beginning at 6:30pm.
This information was obtained from: https://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/david-grabczak/#!/Obituary. The picture above was obtained from the 1968 HHS Memories yearbook.
