John David Grabo

John D. Grabo, 52, passed away on Saturday, September 6, after a brief but valiant fight with leukemia. He was the devoted husband of Kirsten and beloved father of Brayden and Beckett. Born in a suburb of Chicago, John was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks and Bears. He was also an Arizona Wildcat, having graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in business. John had more than 30 years of experience as an economic developer and was a recognized leader among national economic development professionals. He was a member of the International Economic Development Council, Arizona Association for Economic Development and Solar Energy Association. In 1993, he joined the Greater Tucson Economic Council (GTEC) where he served as senior vice president, interim president and CEO. For more than a decade, John was the Director of Business Development for the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UA Tech Park). He helped to establish the Tech Park’s Solar Zone and Global Advantage Program. This past year he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council. He had recently accepted the position of Economic Development Officer for the City of Sierra Vista. John was involved in many community initiatives. He served on the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority and the Arizona District Export Council. John was a big man with a big mind and big heart. Tough on the outside, he was a warm and affectionate man on the inside. He loved life, his family, good food, sports, politics and international travel. He will be greatly missed. John is survived by his wife Kirsten, his sons Brayden & Beckett, his mother Carol Grabo, and his brother Michael (& Cheryl) Grabo. A memorial service will be held on September 20, 2014 at 11:00 am at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church. Donations in his memory can be made to an educational fund for his children at http://www.youcaring.com/Graboboys.