30 August, 2024
Phillip Gradie, 85, passed away at home on August 28, 2024, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was the husband of Grace (Giardana) Gradie, to whom he was married for 61 years.
Phillip was born on November 5, 1938 to Joseph V. and Lois (O’Hanlon) Gradie in Arlington, MA. He grew up with four siblings. After graduating from Arlington High School, Phillip enlisted in the United States Air Force.
In 1962, Phillip met Grace Giardina, whom he married in 1963. Together they had four daughters. They moved to Hopkinton in 1967 where he was a Little League coach for many years. Phillip was also a member of Knights of Columbus and was proudly a friend of Bill W for 44 years.
He worked for the United States Postal Service until his retirement, after which he started Gradie Trucking and enjoyed that business for 12 years.
Phillip loved the beach and enjoyed spending summers in Wells, Maine with many extended family members. He escaped the cold New England winters to his home in Hollywood, Florida.
Phillip’s greatest joy was to spend time with his family. He fostered a loving and welcoming home for all of his family members; immediate and extended.
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his four daughters; Karen Roach, Nancy Gauthier and her husband Michael, Christine McCormick, and Allison Cafarella and her husband John.
He also leaves his grandchildren, Kevin Dodd, Ryan Aitken and his wife Michaela, Michael Dodd, Kyle Aitken, Thomas Aitken, Christopher Roach, Joseph Cafarella, Kristen McCormick, Juliana Cafarella, Aiden McCormick and Jace McCormick. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he loved very much and with whom he cherished spending time.
Phillip was predeceased by his parents, his siblings, Joseph Gradie, Maureen Gradie Sanford, Nancy Gradie and Stephen Gradie, his nephews, Stephen Gradie and Joseph Sanford, his granddaughter, Faith McCormick and his son-in-law Steven Aitken.
The funeral will be held Wednesday, September 4, at 9:00 a.m. from the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Visiting hours at the funeral home are Tuesday, September 3, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phillip’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Wounded Warriors.
