Douglas Francis Grady of Middletown passed peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2015 at the age of 86. Doug, as he was known to his numerous friends and family, was born in Hackensack, NJ on January 28, 1929. Doug graduated from Ridgefield Park High School in June, 1947 where he had been a three sport athlete. He attended Lowell Institute of Technology in Lowell, MA where he played football, basketball and baseball. Additionally, Doug was president of his fraternity, Phi Delta Pi. He graduated with a degree in Textile Engineering and went on to a very successful career in the textile industry.
Doug married his high school sweetheart, Kay Leyden, on June 9, 1951 and eventually moved to Middletown where he raised his family. Throughout his life, Doug was an avid sports enthusiast; he was a loyal fan of the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys, and never forgave the Dodgers for leaving Brooklyn. Doug also loved the game of golf and played frequently until his Multiple Sclerosis didn’t allow him to play any longer. He retired as Merchandise Manager for West Point Pepperell in 1979. Doug had a great sense of humor and never allowed himself to be defined by his disability, defying all odds. He was devoted to his family, faith and country. Doug sang in the choirs for both St. James Catholic Church and St Catherine’s for over 50 years.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Kay, along with his children: Joanne and her husband, Frank Delguercio of Hammonton, NJ, Douglas Grady of Ft Worth, TX, and Kathy and her husband, Ted Dlugolecki of Hopkinton, MA. Additionally Doug leaves behind nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Marie (Fantone) and Allan Grady and his brother Allan Grady Jr. as well as his great granddaughter Leyden Saige Cournoyer.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8th from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 9th 10am at St. James RC Church in Red Bank. Interment will be private.