Obituary of Robert Griner Sr.

Robert E. Griner, Sr., 92, of State College, formerly of Westtown, died December 18, 2013, at the Fairways at Brookline Village, State College. Born October 21, 1921, in St. Joseph, Missouri, he was the son of the late Donald D. and Grace Martin Griner. On February 14, 1942 he married Rose Porter, who preceded him in death on September 2, 1996. Later he enjoyed the company of a special friend, Mary Sue Atkins of West Chester, PA. He is survived by three children, Patricia "Patti" G. Fernsler and her husband, Fred, of State College, Robert E. Griner, Jr., of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brian P. Griner and his wife, Elizabeth, of Rocky Hill, New Jersey; five grandchildren, Kurt Fernsler and his wife, Theresa, Gavin Fernsler and his wife, Julie and Adam Fernsler and his wife, Heather, and Evan and Alexandria Griner; six great grandchildren, Boden, Uli, Jackson, Hudson, Fritz and Vienna Fernsler. He was a graduate of Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware. Robert attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, S. C. He served in the United States Navy during World War II on the Underwater Demolition Team, precursor to the Navy Seals. He was a member of the Scouts & Raiders working behind enemy lines in mainland China. Robert was an Insurance Agent with Prudential Insurance Company for 30 years in South Eastern Pennsylvania, retiring in 1983. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and belonged to the Delaware Field and Stream Association in Delaware County. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in State College. A private family memorial service and burial will be held at Grindstone Hill Cemetery in Chambersburg. A second memorial service will be held at the Navy SEAL Museum on Veterans' Day next year in Fort Pierce, FL. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.