Bill Grabe: Potter County’s piece of Americana

Few people in Coudersport are more recognizable or revered than Bill Grabe. He’s often seen running errands for friends or taking a break at the Daily Grind (bottom left). The mild December has allowed Bill to continue pedaling around town on his three-wheeler. Lugene Heimel photos

Christmas time brings a smile to the face of Bill Grabe.

As one of Coudersport’s most recognized and beloved residents approaches his 58th Christmas, he has a heavy heart and a deep appreciation of the friendship he finds wherever he turns.

“Tell everyone I said two words,” Bill said as he held up two fingers. “Merry . . . Christmas!”

Bill was born with Down syndrome during an era when many children in similar situations were institutionalized. His parents, the late George and Ellen Grabe, were determined that their son would would have the opportunities that everyone deserves: the blessings of family and love and appreication from their friends in the community.

From early childhood, Bill has been embraced by the community. As a child, he was a popular member of Mrs. Austin’s and, later, Mr. Hribar’s, special education classes at Coudersport Area School District.

“Everyone loved Billy,” said one of his special education classmates. “In fact, they still do!”

As time passed, Bill’s warm personality found its way into everyone’s hearts. The Community Basketball League welcomed Bill as a player who developed a solid set shot from deep in the corner.

After the death of his father, Bill drew even closer to his mother, whose was passionate in her mission to assure

that Bill

l e d

not only a normal life, but a special one.

Each Easter Sunday, Bill can be found at the same pew of Coudersport’s First United Presbyterian Church, a personal memorial to his mother and a testament to the promise of eternal love that touches his spirit.

Bill’s sister-in-law, Barbara Fickinger, and other relatives, continue to take a personal interest in him. For many years after Ellen Grabe’s death, Barbara and her late husband, Tom, looked out for Bill.

Ask anyone in Coudersport who is the number one fan of Elvis Presley, and the answer will be unanimous: Bill Grabe. He’s also partial to the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and the New York Mets.

The growth of the Potter County Special Olympics organization has benefitted Bill, who isn’t shy about showing off his medals and trophies for bowling, golf, softball throwing and bocce.

December’s mild

weather has allowed Bill

to postpone the inevitable -

- temporary storage of his

basket-equipped threewheeler that, with him, has been a fixture on the streets of Coudersport for so long.

And in a time of uncertainty

in

Coudersport and in Potter County, Bill and his familiar, blue three-wheeler serve as a reminder of what’s special about the community.

Bill is what this place we love has always been about: making the best of what we’ve got and holding dear the things that really matter.

So, in the spirit of the season, Merry Christmas -- both TO and FROM Bill Grabe.