William Francis Grant,

William Francis Grant, Sr., 90, of East Hartford, beloved husband of over 70 years to Gloria ""Glo"" (Vendrillo) Grant, peacefully entered into eternal life on Tuesday (July 19, 2011) at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford. Born in East Hartford on May 30, 1921, a son of the late Rocco and Theresa Grant, he had been a life-long resident of the town and attended local schools. Billy was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II, and was a member of the VFW Post #2026, Manchester. Billy was employed for over 40 years by the MDC, retiring as a Crew Leader in the Main Pipe Division. He was a part-time Tree surgeon but most of all, he was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Billy was the father of William ""Billy"" Francis Grant, Jr., and Lynda G. Montefusco and her husband, Mattie, of Windsor Locks. He was a proud Papa to his four special grandsons, Michael Grant of Glastonbury, Mark Grant and his wife, Tammy, of Annapolis, MD, William Francis Grant, III of West Hartford, and Anthony Grant and his wife, Christy, of Glastonbury; his seven adored great-grandchildren, Brianna Grant, William F. Grant, IV, Frankie Blu Kincy-Grant, Marisa Grant, Anthony Grant, Jr., Michael Grant, and Nicolette Rose Grant. He also leaves a devoted daughter-in-law, Diana Grant Lombardo of Glastonbury whom he adored; a sister-in-law, Rita Hanson of East Hartford; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be Friday (July 22nd) at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Veteran's Memorial Field-Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel TODAY from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in William's name may be made to St. Anne Church & Shrine, 16 Church Street, Sturbridge, MA 01518. William's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Karen Chadderton and her staff (especially Gussie, Mindy, and Sue) at Riverside Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, East Hartford for their professionalism, care, love, and compassion given to William and his entire family. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.