Earl Grant Passes at 78
Earl W. Grant, 78, of Fall River passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of fifty-six years to Ruth M. (Joynt) Grant.
Earl was born in Fall River, the son of the late Carl and Mary (Taylor) Grant. He worked as a truck driver for the Teamsters out of local #56 in Fall River for over thirty years, retiring in 1988. Mr. Grant was very active during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with the Northeast Midget Racing Association as a flagman throughout New England and Canada, especially at the Stafford, Thompson, Westboro and Seekonk Speedways. Earl was the recipient of the D. Anthony Vendetti Memorial Award for his dedication to the sport of auto racing. Mr. Grant was also a vendor at flea markets from Maine to Florida.
Survivors besides his wife are a daughter: Earleen M. Phillips and her husband Brian of Fall River, MA; three sons: Stephen C. Grant of Fall River, MA; Scott J. Grant wife Colette of Deltona, FL; Thomas A. Grant and his wife Susan of Swansea, MA; eleven grandchildren: Kelly, Stephanie, Krystie, Katie, Scottie, Jacqueline, Rebecca, Nicholas, Stephanie, Samantha and Dorian; four great grandchildren: Tyler, Landon, Makayla and Bella; three sisters: Virginia Bledsoe and her husband Robert of Portsmouth, RI; Karen Allen and her husband Robert of Naples, FL; Sandra Seigel and her husband Thomas of Roy, WA; a brother: Ronald Grant and his wife Mary of Portsmouth, RI along with many nieces and nephews. He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends especially his friends Dave Humphrey, Pip Tavares, his friends at Town Taxi in Fall River, Nu Way Auto in Westport and at the fleamarkets he worked at.
Funeral Information
His Funeral Service will be held on TUESDAY at 10am from the HATHAWAY HOME for FUNERALS, 1813 Robeson St., Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am in the Church of the Holy Spirit, 160 Rock Street, Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be private at the request of the family. CALLING HOURS for Earl will be held on MONDAY from 4-8PM.
Donations Information
Memorial donations in his memory can be made to either the Church of the Holy Spirit, 160 Rock Street, Fall River, MA 02720 or to The Spalding Foundation for Injured Race Drivers, Inc., 1074 Sulpher Springs Road, Owego, NY 13827.
Sources: Hathaway Family Funeral Homes