Russell Dean Grant, a 30-year resident of Hopkinton and 6-year resident of Franklin, MA, passed away on Christmas Eve morning after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. He was 75. He lived with grace, day after day, even though it was a losing battle. The neurodegenerative disease ravaged him physically but it never touched his courage, his faith in a loving God, and his love for his family.
He leaves his wife of 52 years, Linda Johnson Grant, his son, Steve and wife Rachel, his daughter, Allison and husband Matt Lugar, and his son, Justin and wife Lisa. His seven grandchildren – Brynn, Hayden, Savanna, and Evelyn Lugar and Isaac, Will, and Ellie Grant – brought him joy. He also leaves his mother, Goldie Grant, of Windom, MN, and a brother, Charles Grant of Jeffers, MN. He was preceded in death by his father, Arlon Grant; sisters, Joanne Kerr, Joyce Swanson, and Beverly Nyflot, and a brother, Richard Grant.
His career was in information technology, and after moving from MN to MA in 1985, he held positions at Honeywell, Banyan, Mass Turnpike, and Mass Highway and Division of Insurance at the Commonwealth of MA. In 2003, he took early retirement as Director of Management Information Systems at the Insurance Division. He also spent 20-plus years as owner of Advantage Cleaning Company, with customers in Boston and New York City. He was generous with his time and willing to share his knowledge with you. He always enjoyed a day sailing with friends, a game of Sudoku, and ice cream, anytime. He was active at the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton (now Faith Community Church), and former chairman of the Stewardship Committee and Church Board. His faith was important to him, and he lived a life of unwavering trust in God’s plan for his life. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 27th at 11:00 at Faith Community Church in Hopkinton. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Community Church, 146 E. Main St. Hopkinton, MA 01748.