Norbert Robert Graczyk

USAF Retired Norbert Robert Graczyk, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed peacefully from this life into his eternal reward on August 18, 2008, after having waged a lengthy, valiant battle with esophageal cancer and related complications. Mr. Graczyk was born on February 15, 1932, in Buffalo, New York, the seventh son of Polish immigrants, Adeline Makowska Graczyk and Francis Graczyk. He attended St. Luke’s Elementary School and Bishop Ryan High School. While in high school, Norb held several jobs to help support his family. His first professional job was with Armstrong, Roth and Cady in Buffalo. Norb joined the United States Air Force in 1952. His distinguished twenty-one year USAF career included foreign tours in Japan, Vietnam, and Okinawa, and stateside tours in New York, Florida, Delaware and Mississippi. Mr. Graczyk served his country as an Accounting and Finance Specialist, with special emphasis in Military Pay and Travel. He was recognized as an expert in his field, held security clearance, and often served as instructor to military personnel. Among his awards, Sergeant Graczyk earned the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his retirement in 1973, he was a member of the Air Force Reserve. Norb and Maryann were married on June 5, 1957 in St. Joachims’s Catholic Church. The newlyweds began their life together at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware and were very active in the Dover community. Norb volunteered in the chaplains’ Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Program. He was a fourth degree member of the Dover Council #4182 of the Knights of Columbus. Norb also volunteered as an instructor of emergency medical treatment, including teaching life-saving techniques. He earned national recognition as a Community Leader of America. While in Dover, Norb and Maryann were blessed and became the proud parents of a daughter and son. The Graczyk family came to Mississippi with Norb's assignment to Keesler Air Force Base in 1970. They made Biloxi their home since that time. During his retirement, Mr. Graczyk earned an Associate Degree of Applied Science from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He was a life member of the University of Southern Mississippi Alumnae. He worked at several hotels, and had also been a carrier for the Daily Herald. Norbert provided volunteer services for the American Federation of Teachers and the Harrison County Democratic Party. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans and the Air Force Sergeants’ Association. Norb was a monthly blood donor for the Red Cross for many years until health problems began. He also was a valued, regular contributor to many charities with primary emphasis on helping children. He was named an Honorary Citizen of Boys Town. Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mary, and brothers, Raymond, Edmond, Henry, Leonard, Richard, Frank, Daniel, and Gerald. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 51 years, Maryann Luksch Graczyk; his daughter, Suzanne Davis Bodouin of Vancleave; his son, Norbert John Graczyk of Biloxi; grandson, Joseph Aaron Davis, of Vancleave; granddaughter, Chelsea Graczyk of Galveston, TX; sister-in-law, Josephine of Buffalo, NY; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation, services and burial with full military honors will be in the Biloxi National Cemetery, 2:30 PM, Friday, August 22. In lieu of flowers, Norb preferred that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101. Our family’s deepest appreciation for all of their help is extended to our friends including the doctors, nurses and staff of Keesler Air Force Base Hospital; Veterans Administration Hospital, Biloxi; Amedisys Home Health Services; Regional Cancer Center, Pascagoula; Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans; Taylor House of Hope, New Orleans, Biloxi Hospital; Ocean Springs Hospital. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes, Howard Avenue, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com