Obituary of William J. Grant

William J. Grant of Goshen, NY passed away peacefully in his sleep in his 89th year, joining his beloved wife, Patricia (McCaffrey) Grant, on February 25, 2015. A long time area resident, Bill was a proud graduate of St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia and at the age of 16, began his studies in Chemical Engineering at MIT, graduating in 1948, where he was coxswain on the Varsity Crew Team, member of Phi Sigma Kappa and senior class officer. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. Bill fell in love with Pat on the beaches of Stone Harbor, NJ, where the family vacationed for many years. He devoted his working career to the family business, Grant Plywood & Dimension Co., along with his father, William F. Grant. He was predeceased by his father, mother Eleanor Griffin Grant and the love of his life, Pat. Together they raised five daughters and two sons, Mary Pat Grant Boron of Ridgewood, NJ; Kathryn Grant Madigan of Binghamton, NY; Dr. Suzanne Grant Lewis (Paul) of Paris, France; Regina M. Sands (Robert) of Old Saybrook, CT; Elizabeth M. Peck (David) of Avon, NY; Billy Grant of Middletown; and Matthew P. Grant (Robyn) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Bill was blessed with eleven grandchildren, Gregory and Christopher (Alexis) Boron, R. James (Abby) and Grant Madigan, Gareth and Gavin Lewis, Christopher Grant, Amanda and Sarah Peck, Ryan and Rachel Grant and great grandson, Griffin Carena Boron. They were all the light of his life. He is also survived by his sister Margaret P. Malone of Vero Beach, FL and his brother Rev. James A. Grant of Springfield, PA, his dear friend Doris Rogan of Cheshire, CT and her family, as well many brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews, and legions of friends. Bill's Jesuit education inspired his lifelong passion for education, service and faith. He served the parish of St. Catharine's Roman Catholic Church, Glen Rock, NJ, as lector, CCD instructor as well as founder and coach of the grammar school CYO track program and was honored by the Jaycees as "Man of the Year". He was tenor in a Barbershop Quartet for many years. After moving to the Middletown area, Bill also served the parish of St. Joseph's as lector, usher, trustee, and Chair of the Finance Committee and Capital Campaign. Past President of John S. Burke Booster Club, long time member of the Knights of Columbus, Bill devoted his life to serving others. He never missed his children's sporting events and theatrical productions, and reveled in their successes. Bill had a deep affection for every person he met, recognizing the divinity in each of them. He taught his family how to live, laugh, sing and dance; and especially, to love. Bill's eternal optimism and sense of humor will be with us always. The family will receive friends at the Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, 72 West Main St., Middletown, NY from 4-7pm on Wednesday, March 4. A celebration of Bill's life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St. Joseph at 149 Cottage St, Middletown, NY at 9:30am on Thursday, March 5. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation for the caring staff and residents of Elant Adult Home in Goshen. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Elant Foundation for the benefit of Goshen Adult Home, 46 Harriman Drive, Goshen, NY 10924 or the Church of St. Joseph, Middletown, NY 10940.