George Graboys, 85

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – George Graboys, 85, died Dec. 16. He was the husband of Lois (Wolpert) Graboys. He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, a son of the late Lewis and Rebecca (Sobiloff) Graboys.  

He graduated from Tabor Academy in 1950, Dartmouth College in 1954, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1957.

George was the president, chief executive officer, and chairman of Citizens Financial Group (Citizens Bank) from 1969-1992, and an executive in residence and adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island School of Business from 1993-1995.  

George cared deeply about his community, improving society, and helping vulnerable populations. He sought to uplift all through his compassion, open heartedness, and actions. George worked tirelessly on behalf of all Rhode Islanders in a variety of capacities.

He was the chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, the University of Rhode Island Foundation, the Rhode Island Foundation, and the Rhode Island Urban Project; and was a founding member and chairman of The Rhode Island Children’s Crusade. George was awarded the Anti-Defamation League Torch of Liberty Award; Rhode Island Business Person of the Year; and New England Business Magazine Business Person of the Year.  

Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons Ken Graboys and his wife Sharon Graboys of Glencoe, Illinois, and James Graboys of Prattville, Alabama; daughter Angela Graboys Rudner and her husband Lewis Rudner of Providence; and grandchildren Noah, Sam, Jed, and Rebecca Graboys, and Julianne Rudner.  He was the brother of the late Dr. Thomas Barr Graboys, Marilyn Graboys Wool, and Helen Sue Graboys.

Contributions in his memory may be made to The George and Lois Graboys Minority Student Endowment, c/o The URI Foundation, 79 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI, 02881, Attn: Lil O’Rourke.