Harry Grant

ROCKPORT — Harry Francis Grant, 84, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018.

Born in Hartford, Conn., March 30, 1934, he was the son of Geraldine Mary Adams and Harry Joseph Grant.

At age 17 he enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Korea. He was chosen to be trained as a Combat Medic. He always felt blessed that his mission was to save lives. He was awarded several decorations for valor including The Purple Heart. He was quite proud of his nickname, ‘Doc Grant.' He was so happy to be selected for the Honor Flight in June 2018, and he loved it. A second honor, the Quilt of Valor, was presented to him in October of this year. At the end of his tour of duty, Harry returned to Conn. and married Sylvia Goddard, his high school sweetheart. With the help and support of Sylvia he began his 30 plus year career with Moore Business Forms in Rutland, Vt. Their family began with daughter Shelley, followed by son Scott and daughter Susan. A few years later nephew Bruce joined the family.

Harry’s career included long hours and much travel, but he always found time to be active in the PTA, the church choir, youth camps and, proudly, a life member of the Raymond Volunteer Fire Department, where he was Assistant Chief.

In 1988 his wife Sylvia became terminally ill. Harry took early retirement to care for her until her death in 1989.

Harry moved to Norwich, N.Y., to accept the position of Director of Caring Ministries for Broad Street United Methodist Church. His responsibility was to reach out to the poor and anyone in need. He set up food kitchens, a prison release program for offending youths, and worked with local businesses to supply all the needs of the poor including food, furniture and clothing. He loved thinking up ways to raise funds to help a family, always making sure their dignity and self-worth was maintained. He accepted no salary for this position.

When he returned to his home in Naples, Maine, he took a drive to meet Marion Cartaglia at her home in Rockport. It was a blind date on June 23, 1999. The two were married on Oct. 23, 1999. The wedding took place at Montpelier, the home of General Henry Knox, where Marion was a longtime volunteer docent. Harry was delighted to join her, wearing his beautiful Colonial Officer’s uniform, which he proudly told everyone was made by daughter, Shelley.

Harry was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and sang the National Anthem at the Knox Museum every year, including 2018 at the Annual Boots on the Ground celebration. He and Marion marched in eighteen Thomaston July 4th parades.

He served on many committees and boards over the years. He was especially proud of his association with Bartlett Woods Retirement Community in Rockland. He and Marion were co-chairs of the Board of Directors for several years. His last days were spent there under the care of a wonderful group of caregivers.

Harry was a deeply spiritual man and a true Christian. His 19-year affiliation with Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Rockland was a busy and joyful time for him. He sang in the choir, frequently soloing, was a Liturgist and Lay Leader, and member of the Board of Trustees.

Harry Grant was a man of honor, integrity and kindness. He will be missed by all who knew him and never forgotten by his loving wife, Marion.

He is survived by his daughter Shelly Grant Farrell and her husband Charles; his son Scott Adams Grant and his partner Debbi Nagle; daughter Susan Grant Buzzell and her husband Bruce; sister Geraldine Thomen and her husband Chet; nephew Bruce Hinckley and his wife Kris; granddaughters, Bailey Farrell, Calli Buzzell; and great-granddaughter Mya; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Harry’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Rockland. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Residents Fund at Bartlett Woods, 20 Bartlett Drive, Rockland, ME 04841.