Donald W. Grant

Donald Walter Grant, 88, of Marblehead, formerly of Salem, died on March 27, 2016 unexpectedly at his home. Born in Salem MA, he was the son of the late Alton Grant and Florence (Underhill) Grant. Don was the beloved husband of the late Louise M. (Hooper) Grant with whom he shared 58 years of marriage until the time of her death in 2014. After marrying Louise, they moved to Marblehead where they spent the rest of their lives and raised their two children.

Don was a graduate of Salem High school and Northeastern University, and served in Japan with the United States Army 1948 –1950 National Guard 1950 – 1953. Don worked as a product engineer for United Shoe Machinery Corp. in Beverly until his retirement and also served as Chief of Northeast Club at “The Shoe”.

A 40 year member in the Boy Scouts of America, Don was Scoutmaster of Troop 11 in Marblehead from 1971-1977 and then continued to be active as a committee member, in Brownsea training programs, and at the district level until 2008. He was also a recipient of the Vigil Honor of the B.S.A.s Order of the Arrow. He was very active in the Masons and held several positions with The Philanthropic Lodge of Marblehead. He was a 32nd degree MSA in the Scottish Rite Valley of Salem & Boston, and was a member and secretary of the Aleppo Shriners North Shore Shrine Club. Don enjoyed summers at his camp in East Wakefield NH, golfing, playing cards with "The Club", cribbage and exercise at the senior center. He also enjoyed watching movies, banana bread, macaroni and cheese, apple pie, and spaghetti with ketchup. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Survived by his brother Wesley Grant and his wife Jane of Cumberland RI, his daughter, Susan M. Grant-Johnson of Lincolnville, Maine and her husband Brian; his son Donald L. Grant of Marblehead and his wife Linda; three grandchildren, Ayla MacDairmid and her husband Cameron of Fort Myers, FL., Timothy and Daniel Grant of Marblehead; and four great-grandchildren, Grant, Laura, Elle, and Maggie MacDairmid of Fort Myers, Fl. He was also the grandfather of the late Brian L. Grant of Marblehead and brother of the late Alton Grant of Chicopee MA.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm Street, Marblehead on Saturday, April 2 at 11AM. All are welcome. Visitation will begin at 9AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to Boy Scout Troop 11, C/O Richard Fried, 33 Marion Rd, Marblehead, MA 01945.