Patrick V. Grady

Patrick V. Grady, 71, of Springfield, died at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. Pat was born January 5, 1945 in Springfield, the son of Edmund and Meri Healy Grady. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Fruin on June 3, 1967. Pat was a graduate of Griffin High School and attended Eastern Illinois University and Springfield Junior College. In 1979, he founded Grady Realtors and proudly served the community for more than 47 years. Pat enjoyed being active in the community. He was involved in coaching basketball at Christ the King and the NW Rams Junior Football League. He also served on boards for the American Business Club and the Capital Area Association of Realtors. In 1988, Pat was selected to be the Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day Parade and in 1994, he was named Irishman of the Year by the Sons and Daughters of Erin. In 2004, he was given the William B. McKenzie Award from the Springfield Jaycees for distinguished volunteer service. In June of 2005, he was selected as one of the finalists for the Small Business Person of the Year for Sales. He was the 2014 recipient of the Hall of Fame Award for the Capital Area Association of Realtors. He also played the role of Santa Claus for 35 years and loved playing pickleball and golfing. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Timothy Grady; and one grandson, Finnegan Patrick Grady. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Grady of Springfield; three children, Cindy Grady-Hamilton (companion, Mark Alstott), David Patrick (wife, Holly) Grady, and Melissa Grady-Grussenmeyer (companion, Jason Mahon), all of Springfield; six grandchildren, Riley Patrick Hamilton, Keegan Hamilton, Madison Chunes, Vincent Grussenmeyer, Fiona Grady, and Ruby Grussenmeyer; three siblings, Molly (husband, John) Risse, Mary Carole "Gidget" (husband, Glen) Freeberg, both of Springfield; and Gary (wife, Bonnie) Grady of OR; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos, Springfield, with Rev. Robert J. Jallas celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Irish Wake: In celebration of Pat's life, an Irish Wake will immediately follow at Long Bridge Golf Course, 1055 W. Camp Sangamo Rd., Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704.