Wense Grabarek

Wense Grabarek
Mayor of Durham, North Carolina
In office 1963–1971
Member of the Durham City Council
In office 1957–1961
Personal details
Born	May 21, 1919 Luzerne, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	December 15, 2019(2019-12-15) (aged 100)
Political party	Democratic Party
Spouse	Marion Pritchard Norris
Children	4 (including Lisa Grabarek)
Alma mater	Benjamin Franklin University
Occupation	politician, accountant

Robert Wensell "Wense" Grabarek (May 21, 1919 – December 15, 2019) was an American politician who served as mayor of Durham, North Carolina from 1963 to 1971. Greeted upon entering office with mass civil rights demonstrations, Grabarek was credited with striking a tone of moderation. He established the "Durham Interim Committee," composed of two black and nine white members, with a mandate to "resolve and reconcile" racial differences. Over the next few months, segregation ended at most of Durham's restaurants, hotels and movie theaters, swimming pools, libraries, the chamber of commerce, and the Jaycees. Grabarek also served on the Durham City Council from 1957 to 1961.

Grabarek was born in Luzerne, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He graduated from Benjamin Franklin University and worked as an accountant. He was married to Marion Pritchard Norris and had four children, including Lisa Grabarek. Grabarek, his wife, and family moved to Durham, North Carolina in the 1950s. he died in 2019.