Leonard F. Grbinick 1944-2024

He was born in Youngstown, Sept. 18, 1944, to the late Stephen and Mary Jesik Grbinick. He grew up with his twin brother, Lawerence Grbinick, on the West Side and proudly lived his whole life in Youngstown.

He attended Chaney High School and Choffin Trade School focusing on auto mechanics. Leonard loved working on anything mechanical, especially cars. He was also on a pit crew team at Sharon Speedway.

Leonard worked in the steel mills as a millwright for nearly 50 years. Always trying to improve life for the greater good, Leonard was a labor rights activist and labor organizer. He was very active in United Steelworkers Local 1375. He attended Youngstown State University with a focus in labor studies and completed a labor education and research program through Ohio State University. Leonard was involved in Solidarity Club and The Peace Council of Youngstown. Later he would work on campaigns such as SPAN Ohio (Healthcare for All) and Frack Free Ohio.

Leonard married Charyl Shiltz Grbinick on July 7, 1979, in Mill Creek Park. They enjoyed attending concerts together at Blossom Music Center, going to auto races and riding his motorcycle. Later they enjoyed various vacations, especially to their favorite place, Oak Island, North Carolina.

After Charyl’s sudden passing, Leonard started practicing yoga, took walks in Mill Creek Park and started to explore different art mediums. He enjoyed attending ceramics classes twice a week, where he sculpted cars and animals out of clay. He also loved to attend music shows and theater plays, and watch auto racing and sports on television.

Besides his parents and his wife, Charyl, Leonard was preceded in death by his twin brother, Lawerence; and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.

Leonard is survived by daughter, Samantha Grbinick (Walter Herrmann); son, Joshua Alday (Carrie May); daughter, Stephanie Rogers (Jim Rogers); stepdaughter, Debra Mound (Joe Mound); stepson, Dan Bidwell; and multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends may call 1 to 1:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at Lane Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m.

(special notice)