Thomas P. Grady

THOMAS P. GRADY, 84, OF SPRING CITY Thomas P. Grady, 84, of Spring City, PA, husband of the late Connie Elizabeth (Sonetto) Grady, died Monday, April 23, 2012. Born to Irish immigrants, Thomas and Margaret (O'Neil) Grady, Tom was raised on a working farm in Center Square, PA, helping out on the farm as a boy, alongside his parents. From modest means, he began taking work at an early age to do his part for his family. In 1946, a strong sense of duty compelled Tom to enlist in the United States Army. He was deployed to Japan where he served as an Automotive Electrician, repairing and maintaining jeeps and tanks in the motor-pool and in the field. He returned home in 1948, but soon reenlisted, again with the Army, in 1949, to serve during the Korean War where he was stationed in Korea. After his discharge in 1952, he purchased the home in Graterford, Pa where he would raise his family. Tom was a former Commander of Veterans of Foreign War Post 7155 in Trappe, PA. Always inquisitive, and possessing a natural understanding of how things worked, it was not long until Tom put those skills to use professionally. His earliest venture in self employment was a Television repair service, until changing technology prompted him to look for other work. Tom went back to his roots as a mechanic, this time with cars, at Fairview Motors in Fairview Village, PA, then a Renault Dealership, where he was to meet his wife to be, Connie, who worked at the nearby diner where Tom had coffee. Tom valued a day's work as one his greatest possessions. He was up with sun, faced every day with vigor, worked until the job was done, and never seemed to tire. In 1972, Tom started his own Heating and Air Conditioning business, doing both residential and commercial work, employing his sons part time. He later worked for Standard Press Steel, in Hatfield, PA where he maintained and repaired industrial machinery and computer systems. In 1987, Tom returned to working for himself, as it had always served him well, with Tom Grady Electrical, again doing both residential and commercial work, until retiring in 2008 at age 81. Tom had a smile for everyone he met. He carried that good natured charm, which was all his own, into his later days as a resident of Pennsburg Manor. To casual acquaintances he was a quiet man, but those closer would often hear him tell a joke with artful animation. Know as Tom to many, to others, Tommy. Pop, to a few. Tom was a family man before all else. His greatest joy was spending time with his sons. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice and brother, Jack. He is survived by four sons, Thomas, William, Eugene, and Frederick, and five grandchildren, Erica, Mora, Sean, Kelly, and Patrick. Interment will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 1 p.m. A Memorial Gathering will be held at Veterans of Foreign War Post 7155, 201 W. 3rd Avenue, Trappe, PA 19426, on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 5 p.m. Condolences may be given to the family at www.DevlinRosmosKepp.com.