Obituaries

Dr. Leopold J. Graupera

Dr. Leopold J. Graupera, of Salinas, California, passed away suddenly at home on Monday, September 10, 2012. Dr. Graupera was Chief of Staff at Mee Women’s Hospital where he practiced for 17 years. He graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia and practiced obstetrics and gynecology for the last 30 years. He was 65 years old.

Leo was a devoted physician who established a legacy in his community serving with skill and compassion. He was devoted to his family, his brothers, and grandchildren all feeling deeply his love, affection, and wise counsel.
His family was deeply affected by his love of life and his humanity. Leo used his medical skills with a special concern for the less privileged of his patients. Leo’s frequent homecomings to his family in Lancaster were always an occasion of great joy and excitement. 

Leo was born in Havana Cuba. In 1960, he immigrated with his family to the United States. After graduating from high school, Leo served in the US Army and was honorably discharged. He is survived by children he adored, Paul and Sara, his grandchildren, Abbi, Chloe, Isabella, Alexander and Rory; his former wife Barbara; his three brothers, John, George, and Carlos, sister in laws, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his sister Mary and his parents Charles and Aida Graupera. Leo’s passing leaves his family grateful for his example of how to live life to the fullest with compassion, peace, and joy. He conducted himself with courtesy and respect for everyone he came into contact with.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11 AM, Saturday, September 22, 2012, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603, with The Rev. Michael E. Messner as Celebrant. Leo’s family will receive friends 6-8 PM Friday at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602 and 10-11 AM Saturday at the church. The Holy Rosary will be prayed 7PM Friday at the funeral home. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, PA. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Mee Memorial Hospital, 300 Canal St., King City, CA 93930. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661

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Dear Family,
I am unable to attend either service, but know that my heart and prayers are with you. I met Leo @ your mother’s viewing and it is hard to believe that he is gone at such a young age. God give you strength and peace.
Lovingly,
Ramona Rivera Santiago

Dear Friends:

Actually I m working as medical transcriptionist and I know Dr. Graupera through this only and heard only his voice.  He is such a nice and very intelligent doctor and he is still my favorite doctor.  Today while doing my work and while typing Dr. Fejes report he dectates that he is no more, I got shocked.  I pray for him. May God give piece him in the Heaven.

Sandeep

I KNOW IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH SINCE HE PASSED AWAY BUT I JUST BARELY FOUND OUT ABOUT IT TODAY. IM DEVASTATED TO HEAR THAT THE MAN WHO HELPED ME DELIVER MY BABY GIRL IS GONE. I HAD NO IDEA THAT HIS DEATH WOULD AFFECT ME IN SUCH WAY. THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM I ASKED HIM IF THAT WOULD BE THE LAST TIME I WOULD SEE HIM AND HE RESPONDED "NO, YOU HAVENT GET RID OFF ME YET". I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS LAST WORDS. HE TREATED ME LIKE A FATHER AND HE EARNED MY RESPECT AND LOVE. IT BREAKS MY HEART THAT MY BABY WILL NOT MEET WITH HIM AGAIN. I WISH HE WAS CLOSER SO I CAN GO SAY GOOD BYE AND SO THAT HE COULD SEE HOW BIG LUNA HAS GOTTEN. IM REALLY SORRY FOR ALL HIS FAMILY. HE WAS A GREAT MAN!

LUPE & LUNA sHARP

I was saddened to learn of Leo’s death.  We met shortly after the family arrived in Yankton and became  close friends.  We shared a lot of great fun times.  I especially  remember the times we had after serving mass at the convent.  Everyone in high school liked being around Leo because he was always upbeat.  My prayers are with all of you.

Larry Bouska

To the Graupera family…I met Leo in high school and remember his special smile and infectious laugh. Our class of ’64 had so much fun together. Leo left a wonderful legacy to his children, grandchildren and family! Bud and Donna were kind enough to forward the news of Leo’s death tome and several members of our graduating class. Please know that Leo and all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.

Sincerely,
Nancy (Williams) Schoenhard

Dear Family,
I was a friend from high school in Yankton, South Dakota. I also had Leo’s father for a teacher. I am truly saddened by Leo’s passing. I would chat on facebook a couple times a year. He was always so much fun to chat with. He will truly be missed. I will remember his laugh. He was an amazing man. So sorry for your loss.
Donna Stengle,

Dear Graupera Family:  John, George, Carlos, Paul, Sara, Barbara and Leo’s Grandchildren:

It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I write this.  Your father, grandfather and brother was truly a dear and caring physician whom I had the honor of getting to know and share with as we grew into adulthood.  But there was so much more.  I could recall for hours the life we shared as "kids" in high school and college.  We, along with our "gang" of spirited youth, spent countless hours together just growing up.  We shared the excitement and wonderment of adolescent youth growing into adulthood.  Many of our deepest secrets, goals, ambitions and, yes, fears were shared and we always did what we needed for each other.  Our bonds through those years were never questioned, never separated.  I was thankful to be able to re-connect with my friend Leo in California and once again took up a friendship that we nurtured every chance we had.  I will always remember him as my long-time true friend.  I would very much like to connect with any and/or all of you if you wish.

Bud Lanning
budlanning@ec.rr.com

Dear Sara and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for speaking to me, Sara, regarding your father. Dr. Graupera was a hero to all his patients and will be truly missed.

My deepest sympathies are with you and your family.
Gina

To Carlos Graupera & Family

We are sorry for your loss and have you all in our thoughts.

John & Gail McSparran

Paul, Sara and all,

Although I’ve known Leo all my life, I wasn’t aware of the obvious impact he had on so many.  He leaves behind wonderful children and grandchildren with many lessons to take with you.  Looking at all of those pictures of him with the grandkids, it’s apparent the love and pride he had in all of them and all of you.  My sincerest thoughts and love are with you both, and all.

Mike Brennan

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Dr. Graupera’s Family. We are proud to tell you that it was an honor knowing such wonderful person. He was a remarkable doctor and a very compassionate person. We got to know him for many years as a doctor; he delivered our two daughters (April 15 & Krystal 7 yrs old). My husband occasionally was his barber and always had a good chat with him. We will miss him greatly.

With respect,
Liz & Tino Regalado.

Dearest Carlos and family,

Please know that although I never met Leo in person, he was my hero and I will always be grateful for all he did to help the people in Cuba. I will miss speaking to him and feeling his kindness and humanity over the phone.

You can all be so proud of this wonderful and caring man.

With love and respect,
Pamela Ann Martin

Dear John and Carlos,

I am so sorry for your unexpected loss.  I never knew your brother, but it sounds like he was a wonerful, caring man.  He left this earth too soon.  I have four brothers and I haven’t lost any of them yet.  I can not imagine your sorrow.

Pat Coller

Carlos and Rosa,
Our sympathies to you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Peace,
Ron and Ann Vail

Dear Family,

I was a friend of Leo’s back in 60’s. I’m a Yankton High School grad, class of ’63. As another friend mentioned, there was "gang" of us who had a lot of fun all those years ago. There are so many good stories and memories. I carried a Kodak once in a while to record some of it. I still have a few pics. A mutual friend, class of ’64, tagged Leo with the nickname "Grup". I lost touch with Grup after he went into the Army. He came back to Yankton in ’69 for visit, bringing his newborn, Paul, along. I kept track of him over the years through others but never saw him again. Last year someone gave me his e-address. I was always going to send him a note…..but didn’t…plenty of time for that.

My sympathy to all of you. Leo was a most unforgettable, brief friend.

Don Johnson

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