Obituaries
April 14, 2026
Zane Scott Grabow
Zane Scott Grabow, let your FAITH be STRONGER than your fear.
BOLIVAR — Zane Scott Grabow passed away Saturday (April 11, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, after weathering an inspiring storm of cancer.
Zane was born in Olean on July 30, 1963, the son of Wendell and Joyce McAvoy Grabow. On May 22, 1987, he married his high school sweetheart, Melody Auman, who survives.
A 1981 graduate of Portville Central School, Zane joined the U.S. Army and served honorably from 1983 to 1986. He then worked for Arvos Ljungstrom in Wellsville as a welder, machinist and manager for 35 years.
Zane loved the Lord and shared his faith. He was a mentor to many, and felt no matter your walk in life, Zane would be there to say, “What if I’m the guy God sent to turn your life around?”
He enjoyed cooking, hosting, camping and hunting with his son.
He was president of the Bolivar Trailblazers, a snowmobile club, and reluctantly became a member of the Bills Mafia through marriage. His favorite places were home, Disney — the happiest place on earth, and camp sites at the Allegany Mt. Resort.
Zane is survived by his loving wife, Melody; his mother, Joyce; his children, Justin of Olean, Abby (Billy) of Olean, Aimee of Orchard Park, Joel (Billi) of Bolivar and Alexis of Hamburg; his grandchildren, Jagger the blessing, Lyric the little princess, Milan the helper, Nova the tough nut, Zane his Mohawk buddy, Bo the entertainer, Nash the flower waterer, Noxx the knuckles and Navy the comforter; his sister, Dixie Grabow of Olean; and a special brother, Claude McAvoy of Fredonia.
He was predeceased by his father, Wendel; and a sister, Wendy Ferry.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (April 15, 2026) at The Faith Bible Church, 8137 Main St., Little Genesee. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday (April 16, 2026) at the church, followed by a luncheon, with a graveside service afterwards at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Portville.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Ann and Carl Myers Cancer Center, 111 Clara Barton St., Dansville, NY 14437, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/give; or to the Bolivar Trailblazers Snowmobile Club C/O 7860 Route 417W, Bolivar, NY 14715.
Zane’s last words were, “Good night, and I love you all.”
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.


