Dr. Gary Grandon

Gary was a passionate educator who valued life-long learning and continually built upon his wide array of skills and talents. Gary loved computers, advancing technologies, and building educational systems to increase understanding of our universe. Throughout his career, he led teams to build Information Technology infrastructure and created learning centers so that others could enjoy and share in his passion for education.

Gary had a wide network of community connections and was a committed member and volunteer for several non-profit organizations throughout the Piedmont. Gary proudly served as a board member of the North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ) where he also volunteered for many years as the Director of Anytown, donating a full week every summer to help build stronger community connection within our local youth. Gary was also an active and committed member of Temple Emanuel, where he served as past Brotherhood President and founding member of the Shofar Chorale, where he proudly blew Shofar on High Holidays with his Granddaughter. Gary was also a devoted member and Sergeant-at-Arms of his local Rotary Club of Greensboro.

Gary was born at a very young age in Detroit, Michigan (he loved that joke), where he was able to build on a wide array of experiences and passions that would stay with him for a lifetime. As a young man, Gary worked at the Ford Motor Company until he realized that they had switched to manufacturing explosives. Gary graduated from Mumford High School in Detroit and would proudly exclaim this fact whenever he watched the movie, Beverly Hills Cop, where Eddie Murphy's character wore his Mumford Physical Education T-Shirt. Gary continued his educational journey at the University of Michigan as a Physics major, earned his Master of Education degree from Wayne State University, and his PhD in Educational Evaluation and Measurements from the University of Connecticut.

With a strong understanding of computer science and the power it brings, Gary was able to help several institutes of higher learning develop the necessary infrastructure for computing. Gary served as an Associate Director of Computing at University of South Florida, climbed the ladder at UNCG from Director of Computing to Associate Vice Chancellor, after which he served as Principal Emeritus (and Headmaster) of the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro. In retirement, Gary rekindled his model-building hobby and became an accomplished guitar luthier, as he crafted and painstakingly restored several guitars in his living room and garage. Above all else, Gary loved his family. He instilled his values and love for the world in every aspect of his life, his teachings, and his actions.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of over 52 years, Dr. Jane Rosen-Grandon, his children Ben (Keli) Grandon and Jessie (Andy) Schlosberg, and grandchildren Samantha and Jacob. He will also be missed greatly by his dogs, Winter and Lucy, who have always been by his side. He is survived by his brother, Stanley (Barbara) Grandon, brother-in-law Richard (Dolly) Rosen, mother-in-law Vivian Rosen, and nephews Jeremy (Paula) Grandon, Jonathan (Sea) Grandon, Peter Grandon, Jonathan (Gretter) Rosen, Adam Rosen and David Rosen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Grandon and Sylvia Grandon Goldstein.

Gary always had a passion for life, music and family. He was able to remain calm in times of struggle and always seemed to possess an understanding of the world and its players. Continually pushing for a better tomorrow with the lessons of yesterday in his heart, Gary shared with the world his dream of a better future and the steps needed to get there. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be remembered and missed by all whose lives have been touched by him.

"Fare you well, fare you well, I love you more than words can tell".

Memorial Services will take place at Temple Emanuel 1129 Jefferson Rd. Greensboro, NC 27410 on Thursday, September 24 at 1:00pm.

Donations may be made to Temple Emanuel or North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ) at 713 N. Greene St. Greensboro, NC 27401.