Charles L. "Chick" Grant, Jr.

Charles L. "Chick" Grant Jr., age 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 12, 1939, he was the son of the late Charles L. and Bertha S. (Schlosky) Grant.  He spent his early years in Jamaica Plain, where he began his working career at the age of 5, serving as a pin setter in the local bowling alley.  After his father won the lottery, Chick's family settled in Roslindale, where his entrepreneurial spirit continued, delivering groceries to his neighbors.  The local Publix Market noticed his hard work, giving him a position working as a stock boy.  Chick's education brought him to Boston Latin High School, but his work ethic landed him in the barbershop of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, sweeping the floor and running various errands for guests of the hotel.  Chick rubbed elbows with many celebrities visiting Boston during his time at the hotel, earning many tips along the way, before finishing his high school education at Roslindale High School in 1957.  Following his graduation, Chick enrolled in the ROTC program at Northeastern University, taking courses to earn his bachelor’s degree, while preparing to serve his country.  Chick went on to earn a place in the Phi Alpha Rho Fraternity House before graduating in 1962 and beginning his service in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. 

Chick married his beloved wife, Janet F. Kirley, on November 10, 1962, in the Lutheran Church of Boston, while on active duty in the Army.  The ceremony was shared by Janet's twin sister, Jane, and Chick's lifelong friend, Russell McNeil, in an iconic "double wedding."  After the wedding, Chick and Janet made their home in the Army barracks at Fort Benning, Georgia and later traveled across the country to make their home on the base in Monterey, California.  Chick was honorably discharged in August of 1965, having earned the rank of First Lieutenant.  Upon his return home, Chick landed an internship with Donnelly Advertising, driving around the city ensuring the accuracy of billboards. 

As a young man with big dreams, Chick was tapped by General Electric's New York City office to sit in with their advertising agents, developing new ways to promote the company.  Chick and his family spent a year and a half on Staten Island before taking a transfer to the Schenectady office, where he spent the next three years.  An opportunity rose in the Lynn, Massachusetts office, and Chick jumped on the chance to move back to home with his family, purchasing his house in East Walpole in 1969.  Shortly after returning to Massachusetts, GE closed their Lynn office, and Chick went to work with his friends from college at their advertising agency, Johnson, Raffin, and Lingard. 

Chick was later approached by Cramer Electronics, naming him the director of advertising, which was one of his favorite positions.  He remained with Cramer for ten years before branching out to Horton, Church, and Goff in Providence, Rhode Island, remaining with the company through the buyout by Creamer Advertising, overseeing various accounts.  In 1984, Chick decided to step out on his own, forming Charles L. Grant Advertising, working with several companies over the years. That same year, Chick built his vacation home in Freedom, New Hampshire, spending every weekend there with his family.  Chick had a long and wonderful career in advertising, meeting countless colleagues along the way.  He continued working even after purchasing a winter home in Bonita Springs in 1999, as he was able to communicate with his clients by email, while enjoying the sunshine in Florida.  Chick was truly dedicated to his clients, maintaining a relationship with some of his accounts until his official retirement in 2014.

While Chick worked hard, he always made time for fun.  He loved cross country skiing and ice fishing in New Hampshire and after finding some friends in Bonita, Chick joined an over 50 softball league.  Back at home, Chick looked forward to gathering with his friends, the AHOY gang, for an afternoon of cribbage and cigars.

Nothing was more important to Chick than his family, every decision he made with those he loved in mind.  After purchasing the home next door to Jane and Russ, Chick regularly held cookouts for the two families to come together for a meal.  He always enjoyed escaping the work week, spending time at his home in Freedom, which became known as Grandma and Grandpa's Wooden House, as he welcomed his grandchildren.  Chick was elated to hold his great-granddaughter, Frankie, who truly lit up his world.

Beloved husband of the late Janet F. (Kirley) Grant.

Loving father of Charles "Chuck" F. Grant and his wife, Joanne, and Karen L. Misra and her husband, Tushar, all of Norfolk.

Cherished grandfather of Eshan Misra and his wife, Celia, Asha Wrenn and her husband, Jack, Nitesh Misra, Chaya Misra, Kiran Misra, Charles "Charlie" Grant, and Lainey Grant; and great grandfather of Frances "Frankie" Sloane Misra.

Brother of Roberta Zdankowski Kirby and her husband, William, of Parkman Maine and Mulberry, Florida; and brother-in-law of the late G. Robert "Pudgy" Zdankowski and the late Russell and Jane McNeil.

Devoted uncle of Nancy McNeil Dunlap and her husband, Scott, of East Walpole, Robert McNeil and his wife, Barbara, of Taunton, William McNeil and his wife, Jennie, of Bridgewater, and Jennifer McNeil of East Walpole.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Chick's Life Celebration on Sunday, May 1, 2022, from 2 to 5 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Funeral Service will be held in the Union Congregational Church, 55 Rhoades Avenue, East Walpole on Monday, May 2, 2022, at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in The Gardens of Gethsemane in West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Chick's name may be made to the Union Congregational Church, 55 Rhoades Avenue, East Walpole, MA 02032.