John J. Grauer

John was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1930, son of Rose Nangle and William F. Grauer. John was educated through high school in the Catholic school system. He graduated from La Salle College (now University) and then University of Pennsylvania Law School (1958). He was a member of two City Championship basketball teams at La Salle College High School and a member of La Salle College’s top 10 team in 1950, losing in the quarter finals of the 12 team NIT tournament held in Madison Square Garden, NYC.

His business career was largely with the Simmon Bedding Company (NYSE) as a divisional head/CEO of American Acceptance Corporation, of Philadelphia: a national financial organization. He later served with the U.S. Department of Justice, having been appointed by Attorney General Edward Meese for a five-year term in the U.S. Trustee System (Bankruptcy Administration). During his early years, he worked in the newspaper and magazine business through high school, college and law school and was a member of the Philadelphia Mailers Union and later as an officer of same.

John is predeceased by his wife, Joan Paula Zahn in 2008, and his three children: his son John in 2023 (survived by spouse Jani and grandchildren Thomas and Laura), son Stephen in 2016 (survived by his granddaughter, Michelle) and Elizabeth in 2014 (survived by his grandson Ryan and great granddaughter Jordan). He is also survived by the children and spouses of his late brother William F Grauer and his wife Teresa. John had a treasured relationship with Nathalie Ford Lachenmayer that ended with her passing in 2021.

Joan and John were married in 1952 while John was a Marine Officer serving during the Korean Conflict. Joan and John spent most of their married life in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and retired to Hilton Head Island in 1999. Joan was an active volunteer with both the St. Francis and Hospice Thrift Shop in Hilton Head and John was the treasurer of the Hospice of Lowcountry from 2003-05. John was also an active member of St. Francis By the Sea Catholic Church in Hilton Head and co-founded the Bible study group and men’s annual retreat group.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, S.C., located at 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island. S.C. followed by a reception in the St. Francis Family Center.

A private burial will be held. John will be buried with his wife in the Beaufort National Cemetery in South Carolina.

Contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the South Carolina Citizens for Life (SC Citizens for Life) and sent to P. O. Box 5865, Columbia, SC 29250-5865, or to a charity of your choice.