Daniel A. Grimley

Daniel Anthony Grimley, born in Saltcoats, Scotland, immigrated to the United States of America through Ellis Island at the young age of 13 joined by his parents, Daniel and Agnes along with several siblings. The family sought all that America had to offer and offered America all they had—and then some.

The family settled in Niagara Falls, NY where he attended Bishop Duffy High School, an all-boys Catholic institution which later merged with an all-girls Catholic high school to become known as Niagara Catholic High School. He attended and graduated from the Jesuits’ University of San Francisco.

In 1958, at age 19, Dan met a slightly younger JoAnn Serrianne at a beach outside Lewiston, NY overlooking Lake Erie. Typically, JoAnn and her friends would head to a beach in Grand Island, NY, but this day was different—and indeed it was. Dan was smitten right off the bat—JoAnn not so much.

As the weeks and months passed, Dan’s kind and continued persistence—real persistence—paid off. Just as the story books would write, JoAnn fell in love and, in 1960, the two married. Shortly thereafter, Dan’s employer—Kimberly Clark—began to close its operations in Niagara Falls. After talking with friends and family, the two decided on something rather radical—to pack their bags for a new beginning. Together. Where else but in sunny California.

Dan quickly secured employment with Martin Marrietta, a contractor doing work with the US Government at Vandenburg Air Force Base. Dan and JoAnn lived at “Vandenburg Village” through 1964. It was during this time that the two would welcome into the world the first two of their three children, daughters Leslie in 1961 and Linda in 1963. In 1968 after relocating to San Jose, they welcomed their son Eric.

When living in San Jose and later in Santa Clara, Dan worked at Food & Machinery Corporation (FMC). There, he was a key player in creating and building what was then deemed the most advanced US military hardware of its time—the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. In about 1995, Dan retired from FMC and he, together with son Eric, established Mission Copier Supplies, operating it for about ten years.

In the community, Dan was active, particularly in his church. A religious man—and one with a darn good voice—he never passed up an opportunity to sing. He was a member of the Holy Cross Choir as well as the St. Justin’s Choir. He also was an active volunteer leader in fundraising for Holy Cross, St. Justin’s and the Catholic Church helping to raise millions over the years. Dan found great strength, meaning and friendship in and through the Church and his relationship with God.

His family and friends always knew Dan to be a loving, protective, and kind soul—above all, a heart of gold. Known as the “Gentle Giant” because of his 6’3” frame, Dan also had a fabulous sense of humor and the ability to have a joke ready at all times—his voice and laugh infectious. He enjoyed the outdoors, loved to jog, loved his dogs and loved travelling with JoAnn and his family. He was a lover of sports—all sports—and had a knack for making absolutely delicious Apricot Brandy from the apricot tree in their Santa Clara backyard.

Dan was an energetic father to his kids—always there to be supportive and serve as their cheerleader. Nearly every evening around the dinner table, the family would gather, share a prayer, and chat about their respective days.

Dan regularly engaged with his six grandchildren who he loved without conditions. He supported each and all in only the ways a loving, caring and engaged grandfather would—and boy did he—spoiling them as only he could. They were each and all the apples of his eye. He and JoAnn were also blessed with the birth of their only great grandchild.

Unfortunately, Dan suffered several small strokes that led to vascular dementia. Only recently, however, did his condition radically deteriorate. Yet in spite of all his health challenges—Dan’s sparkly hazel eyes, wide smile, joke-telling and his genuine kindness always shined through like rays of warmth for those of us around him. In his weakness and pain—Dan continued to be supportive and serve his family as he always did.

He was one of seven children reared by his father and mother: Eleanor, Annette, Margaret, Robert (all deceased), Andrew and Stephen.

Dan is survived by his wife of 65 years, JoAnn Grimley; daughters Leslie Hunter (Kurt), Linda Baron (Bill), and son Eric Grimley (Kelly). Grandchildren Stuart Hunter (deceased), Caroline Baron, Scott Hunter ( Anne), Pierce Baron, Allison Grimley, Laurel Grimley and Great-Granddaughter, Juliette Grimley. Dan is also survived by his dear friend and loving sister-in-law, Diane Serrianne, and many nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be held on Monday, September 29th at 5:30pm at Lima Family Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Avenue, Santa Clara. A Funeral Mass to remember and celebrate Dan will be held on Tuesday, September 30th at 11am, St. Justin Church, 2655 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA followed by Interment at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery at 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara. Immediately following Internment, a Reception will be held at the Lima Reception Hall at 466 N. Winchester Avenue, Santa Clara. In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to Hearts & Minds Activity Center (www.heartsandmindsactivitycenter.org) that serves such a positive purpose for those challenged with dementia, or to your favorite charitable organization in Dan’s memory.

Rest In Peace, Dan.